Importance of Trade Series: Livestock

Lyndi Allen
July 10, 2025

Part Four: Feeding Global Markets, Growing Corn Opportunities 

Trade is top priority for IL Corn as it plays a critical role in driving demand for U.S. corn—especially when considering meat and meat products. A large portion of U.S. corn is used to feed livestock. 


According to U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), beef and pork exports accounted for 525.1 million bushels of U.S. corn usage, which equated to a market value of $2.24 billion (at an average 2024 corn price of $4.27 per bushel). Nationally, U.S. pork and beef exports accounted for $2.24 billion in market value to corn and $525 million to distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The demand for meat exports further drives the demand for corn fed to livestock at home.

In 2024, U.S. beef exports totaled 1.3 million metric tons, shipped to more than 60 countries.


Top U.S. Beef Markets

1.     South Korea

  • 232 thousand metric tons
  • $2.2 billion

2.     Japan

  • 243 thousand metric tons
  • $1.9 billion

3.     China

  • 179 thousand metric tons
  • $1.6 billion

4.     Mexico

  • 227 thousand metric tons
  • $1.4 billion

5.     Canada

  • 102 thousand metric tons
  • $905 million
Map showing top U.S. beef export markets: China, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and Canada.

In 2024, U.S. pork exports totaled 3 million metric tons, shipped to more than 100 countries.



Top U.S. Pork Markets

1.     Mexico

  • 1.2 million metric tons
  • $2.6 billion

2.     Japan

  • 337 thousand metric tons
  • $1.4 billion

3.     China

  • 467 thousand metric tons
  • $1.1 billion

4.     Canada

  • 214 thousand metric tons
  • $863 million

5.     South Korea

  • 214 thousand metric tons
  • $728 million
Map of U.S. pork exports, highlighting China, Mexico, Japan, Canada, and South Korea. Charts show market share and dollar amount.

Trade remains essential for growing demand and markets for Illinois corn farmers. IL Corn supports policies that support the growth of international trade for U.S. meat and meat products.

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