USCMA = Protecting Corn’s Top Export Markets

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)