USCMA = Protecting Corn’s Top Export Markets


By Lyndi Allen February 4, 2026

USMCA infographic showing corn market certainty for farmers in Mexico and Canada, with data charts.

The U.S.—Mexico—Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a free trade agreement to mutually benefit North American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses. The Agreement creates a more balanced, reciprocal trade supporting high-paying jobs for Americans and to grow the North American economy.


The USMCA took effect in 2020 but is now due for a review as a sunset clause allows for its termination 16 years later unless all parties agree to renew the pact for another 16-year term. The USMCA requires the parties to meet five years after its effective date—July 1, 2026—to conduct a joint review, evaluate any recommended actions and decide whether to extend the agreement.


This agreement is vital for U.S. corn farmers as Mexico is the #1 export market for corn and Canada is the #1 export market for ethanol. Each country makes up nearly half of the export market share.


Top U.S. Corn Exports for FY 2024/2025

  • Mexico
  • 25,529,391 metric tons
  • $5,750,773,062
  • 35% of corn exports
  • Japan
  • 13,340,308 metric tons
  • $3,030,909,491
  • 18% of corn exports
  • Colombia
  • 7,624,445 metric tons
  • $1,724,757,601
  • 11% of corn exports

World total:

  • 72,529,391 metric tons
  • $16,355,500,294


Top U.S. Ethanol Exports for FY 2024/2025

  • Canada
  • 756,856,341 gallons
  • $1,626,046,660
  • 36% of ethanol exports
  • European Union
  • 317,695,735 gallons
  • $669,398,541
  • 15% of ethanol exports
  • United Kingdom
  • 210,539,666 gallons
  • $434,440,452
  • 10% of ethanol exports

World total:

  • 2,130,109,973 gallons
  • $4,615,517,506


Currently, this agreement is under review by the Trump Administration. These current markets are essential for U.S. corn farmers following a record crop report for fiscal year (FY) 2024/2025 from the   World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE).


IL Corn urges the Trump Administration to continue the USMCA for the benefit of the agricultural economy and major U.S. export markets. 


*Data according to   U.S. Grains & Bioproducts Council (USGBC)


Not a member?

Become one today!

SHARE THIS

Latest Posts

thumbnail of Brady
By Tara Desmond April 23, 2026
IL Corn TV goes live from the field as Brady Gray shares planting season insights, farm life, and advice on staying profitable in today’s ag economy.
U.S. Capitol building under a partly cloudy blue sky, centered front facade with white dome and columns
By Lyndi Allen April 23, 2026
The House of Representatives are schedule to vote on the Farm Bill 2.0 next week. IL Corn is reviewing and monitoring over 300 amendments that were submitted that cover a wide range of topics.
Robbinsm
By Tara Desmond April 23, 2026
Illinois journalists experience immersive full-day on Illinois farms illustrating purposeful conservation practices.
discovery museum
By Tara Desmond April 23, 2026
Corn is in more than you think! New "From the Farm to a Healthy Me" exhibit connects kids from the cornfield to the grocery store through hands-on play.
Agronomy Angle Logo
By Matt Montgomery, Becks April 22, 2026
Black cutworm returns each spring, threatening young corn. Learn risk factors, scouting tips, and when rescue treatments may be needed to protect stands.
Sarah Hastings, Melinda Fourez, Sen. Chapin Rose, Mark Degler, Steve Fourez, and Dale Haudrich
By Lyndi Allen April 16, 2026
Illinois farmers came to the state capitol this week to draw attention to the poor farm economy as the planting season begins. Farmers met with their representatives and key legislators
thumbnail of  Phillips
By Tara Desmond April 16, 2026
Illinois Fair Queen Krista Phillips shares how her role goes beyond the crown connecting communities and advocating for agriculture statewide.
Ashley, Lindsay and Laura in DC
By Lindsay Croke April 16, 2026
Lindsay Croke is the IL Corn Director of Communications and Marketing today, but she’s served many roles over her 20+ years at IL Corn and brings a lot of historical perspective of IL Corn’s work and goals to IL Corn TV show as a host. We sat down with Lindsay to figure out how she landed at IL Corn, what the work here has meant to her and to our industry, and why she sticks around.
Steve Koeller, Justin Moore, Shane Gray, Rep. Katie Stuart, Chad Dillenberger, and Dale Haudrich
By Lyndi Allen April 8, 2026
Representative Katie Stuart and Illinois farmers visited NCERC for a tour, to learn about its expansion plans, and interview Illinois farmers
thumbnail from farmdoc webinar
By Tara Desmond April 8, 2026
Researchers reveal most farmers operate from a single, highly consistent production plan and change it far less often than conservation advisors typically assume.
Show More