New Data Details Current U.S. Corn Export Volumes

Tara Desmond
December 17, 2025

Marketing year 2024/25 was a record-setting year for corn exports and ethanol exports, based partly on the work of the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council funded by the IL Corn Marketing Board. Top three markets for corn exports were Mexico, Japan, and Colombia. Top three markets for ethanol exports were Canada, EU, and UK. 

 

Mexico and Canada again prove themselves to be vitally important markets, underscoring the need to expedite a renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement for trade. USMCA entered into force on July 1, 2020, but must be revisited and renewed in 2026.


U.S. farmers send 40 percent of total corn exports to Mexico and 35 percent of total ethanol exports to Canada. A quick review of the "Grain in All Forms" chart - which reflects the quantity of all U.S. corn, sorghum, barley, DDGS, ethanol, and meat product exports into corn equivalents - reveals Mexico, Japan, Colombia, South Korea, and Canada to be the largest customers of corn and corn co-product overseas sales.

 

Dig into this USDA data in a user-friendly format on the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council website.


grains infographic
U.S. Corn Infographic
DDGS infographic
ethanol infographic
collin and jared
By Brownfield & Tara • October 29, 2026
Illinois FFA State VP Collin Johnson shares how the IL Corn checkoff partnership builds the next generation of ag advocates.
Sharon Chung, Gracie Pierson, and Rod Weinzierl
By Lyndi Allen • October 29, 2026
IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) connected with lawmakers and candidates this month through farm visits, renewable fuel events and bioeconomy investments.
sky
By Aerterra and Tara Desmond • October 29, 2026
Illinois ranks 48th for air quality but indoor air is often worse. See how corn-based ethanol and PLA air filters help Illinois breathe easier.
picture of corn at harvest
By Tara Desmond • October 29, 2026
6 Illinois farmers share memories during harvest
Rep. Eric Sorensen hosting an E15 press event with IL Corn and Illinois Farm Bureau
By Lyndi Allen • October 29, 2026
Illinois drivers face higher gas prices than the national average. Learn how ethanol and year-round E15 access could lower costs, support farmers, and boost demand for Illinois corn.
American flag draped over tall green corn plants under a cloudy sky
By Lyndi Allen • October 29, 2026
The November 2026 election could signal significant changes in the future policy decisions governing the Farm Bill, agricultural trade, conservation programs, infrastructure, and state regulations.
Show More