Record Exports Show the Strength of U.S. Corn Markets


By Tara Desmond August 27, 2026

Despite shifting trade dynamics, U.S. corn and ethanol continue to find strong demand around the world. The U.S. is on track for a record 3.3 billion bushels of corn exports this marketing year (ends Aug. 31), with Mexico alone accounting for more than 1 billion bushels.  This is the first time the U.S. has exported that much corn to a single customer.


Ethanol exports are also on pace for a third consecutive record year, reaching about 2.35 billion gallons. Canada is currently the top market, importing an estimated 850 million gallons, while Mexico and Japan represent significant future growth potential.


Hear more from U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council leaders Ryan LeGrand and Jay Reiners about the growing global demand for U.S. corn and ethanol and why strong markets like Mexico and Canada remain so important to Illinois farmers.


Not a member?

Become one today!

SHARE THIS

Latest Posts

3 Farmer Business Owners
By Tara Desmond September 16, 2026
From sunflowers to hot sauce, check out the 3 winners of IL Corn’s Farmer Business Contest and the creative businesses growing from Illinois farms.
Agronomy Angle logo
By Matt from Becks September 16, 2026
Excessive rain, heat, and depleted nitrogen have Illinois corn at risk for stalk rot. Learn how to scout fields and identify culprits before harvest.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen A. Vaden
By Lindsay Croke September 15, 2026
USDA Deputy Secretary Vaden met with 170 farmers to hear concerns on fertilizer market consolidation - ICGA's Phil Fuhr shared IL farmers' story.
Person crouching in a green field, inspecting crops by hand under bright sunlight
By Lyndi Allen September 10, 2026
The IRS released guidance to provide farmers with more clarity on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit and its role in supporting domestic biofuel production.
interactive game
By Tara Desmond September 10, 2026
See how corn travels the world in this new interactive game!
Citroniq
By Radicle Growth September 10, 2026
Citroniq and Future Origins Selected to Receive Investment Through Competition Designed to Drive New Demand for Corn
unshucked thumbnail with Tara and corn blowing out her ears
By Tara Desmond September 9, 2026
Meet Pervis Ellis: 104-Degree Harvest, No-Till, and White Corn for Mexico
Ron Miller on his farm
By Tara Desmond September 9, 2026
From Illinois fields to African villages, Ron Miller shares the farming lessons, friendships and one life-changing story he’ll never forget.
Evan Blind at NCERC
By Tara Desmond September 8, 2026
Step inside NCERC to see how Illinois corn growers are helping drive research into ethanol, new technologies and the next big opportunities for corn.
Lou Lamoreux Farm
By Tara Desmond September 3, 2026
Livestock farmer Lou Lamoreux talks about his farming operation.
Show More