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

  1. Mexico
  2. 25,529,391 metric tons
  3. $5,750,773,062
  4. 35% of corn exports
  5. Japan
  6. 13,340,308 metric tons
  7. $3,030,909,491
  8. 18% of corn exports
  9. Colombia
  10. 7,624,445 metric tons
  11. $1,724,757,601
  12. 11% of corn exports

World total:

  1. 72,529,391 metric tons
  2. $16,355,500,294


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

  1. Canada
  2. 756,856,341 gallons
  3. $1,626,046,660
  4. 36% of ethanol exports
  5. European Union
  6. 317,695,735 gallons
  7. $669,398,541
  8. 15% of ethanol exports
  9. United Kingdom
  10. 210,539,666 gallons
  11. $434,440,452
  12. 10% of ethanol exports

World total:

  1. 2,130,109,973 gallons
  2. $4,615,517,506

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


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. 


Not a member?

Become one today!

SHARE THIS

Latest Posts

Split image: Left side, Illinois Capitol Building. Right side, US Capitol Building at sunrise.
By Lyndi Allen February 4, 2026
IL Corn Announces 2026 State and Federal Legislative Priorities. ICGA is advocating for demand growth and family farm profitability to create a successful future for Illinois farmers.
women in ag panel
By Tara Desmond February 4, 2026
Leaders from finance, farming, and ag retail share honest insights on change, consolidation, technology, and relationships shaping agriculture’s future.
Corn field under a vibrant orange sunset.
By Lindsay Croke February 3, 2026
Upon the U.S. Treasury’s release of the long-awaited proposed final regulation for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, IL Corn is pleased to see future opportunities for farmer participation
Gas pump nozzle with corn kernels pouring out, against a dark gray background.
By Lindsay Croke January 29, 2026
For fifteen years, we have been negotiating language with ag, ethanol, and petroleum interests in pursuit of year-round E15 policy we can all agree with. Where are we at now?
roof shingles
By Tara Desmond January 29, 2026
Roof Rejuvenate is made with corn oil from field corn and was recently added to the USDA BioPreferred® Program, earning certification for 95% biobased content.
Crane loading grain onto a ship at a dock, setting sun over the water.
By Lyndi Allen January 28, 2026
America’s inland waterways are critical to the success of agriculture—especially in Illinois, where more than 50 percent of corn grown is shipped out of the state.
Green agricultural sprayer applying chemicals to crops.
By Lyndi Allen January 28, 2026
USDA Stephen Vaden says two fertilizer companies have worked together to control fertilizer prices by limiting supply, raising concerns about competition and rising input costs for farmers
furnace made from corn
By Tara Desmond January 28, 2026
Corn-based innovation is cleaning the air. Learn how Aerterra uses renewable biopolymers from corn to create air filters and support rural communities.
Green U.S. map with corn stalk connected to a gas pump, representing biofuel.
By Lindsay Croke January 22, 2026
Farmers have been advocating for access to E15 year-round for 15 years. Congress must act to change the policy language, but has failed to act yet again.
a gas pump pou
By Lindsay Croke January 22, 2026
Illinois corn farmers urge Congress to act on year-round E15 access, calling inaction on ethanol policy a missed chance to support farmers and rural communities.
Show More