TOP 10 GLOBAL CORN IMPORTERS

Lindsay Mitchell

Nov 10, 2015  |  Today's News

 

The top 10 global corn importers, which accounted for 72 million metric tons (2.8 billion bushels) of global corn demand in the 2014/2015 marketing year are big contributors to Illinois corn demand.  Almost half of Illinois corn is exported out of the state.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that the United States supplied 46 million tons (1.8 billion bushels) of that demand.

Of the top 10 importers, three are located in Asia, two in Latin America, four in Middle East/North Africa and one in Southeast Asia. In addition, of these top 10 markets, three have free trade agreements (FTAs) in place with the United States.

Japan and Mexico, which are the top two global corn importers, were also the top two U.S. corn importers. Japan purchased 80 percent of its corn supply from the United States while Mexico bought almost all of its corn supply from the United States.

However, the United States is continuing to face increasing competition in the global market, with increased exportable supplies coming from the Black Sea region and from South America. In order to sustain U.S. market share in the global market, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) – of which Illinois Corn Marketing Board is a member - works in each of the major corn-buying regions to collect and disseminate timely, objective information to buyers and end-users.

By acting as a bridge between U.S. suppliers and international customers, the USGC is able to help the United States maintain its leadership role in the global export market.

Click here to learn more about the top 10 U.S. corn importers during the 2014/2015 marketing year.