Corn is the most produced grain in the world. Its production is even higher than wheat and there are many reasons why it tops the chart. 1.2 billion metric tons of corn was produced worldwide in 2023/24. Various countries produce millions of metric tons of corn and use it for different purposes such as food, fuel, beverages, and animal feed. If you want to know which country produces the largest amount of corn in the world, then this article is for you. Here is the list of the top 10 largest corn producers in the world.
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List of 10 Largest Corn Producers in the World
- United States
- China
- Brazil
- European Union
- Argentina
- India
- Ukraine
- Mexico
- Russia
- South Africa
1) United States
The United States is expected to continue its dominance as the world’s largest producer of corn with an astounding 389.7 million metric tons of corn produced in 2023/2024. The nation’s enormous and productive farmlands, cutting-edge agricultural technologies, and a heavy focus on crop science research and development are the main contributors to this enormous volume of production. Growing corn is a major industry in the United States and is primarily done so in the Corn Belt, which consists of states like Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Minnesota. Rich soil, ideal growth conditions, and contemporary farming techniques all help these states thrive.
Because maize is a vital component of food goods, animal feed, and biofuels, the U.S. corn business is essential to the worldwide food supply chain. The United States’ dedication to renewable energy sources is demonstrated by the fact that ethanol production accounts for over 40% of the nation’s maize output. A sizable amount of maize is also exported, helping to promote global food security and satisfy demand in other markets.
The amount of maize produced in the United States has a substantial socioeconomic influence in addition to its effects on the agricultural sector. Millions of jobs are supported by it, ranging from cultivation and processing to export and distribution, and it significantly boosts the GDP of the nation. The projected production number for 2024 emphasizes the US’s leadership and enduring power in the world’s agriculture industry.
2) China
China is expected to be the world’s second-largest producer of corn with an estimated 288.8 million metric tons of corn produced in 2024. This impressive output is a result of China’s huge investment in sophisticated farming techniques, vast agricultural infrastructure, and continuous efforts to increase crop yields. China grows a lot of maize, which is mostly farmed in provinces like Heilongjiang, Jilin, Shandong, and Henan because of their favorable climate and high-quality soil.
China produces a lot of corn, which is essential for its use as a staple crop and a major ingredient in animal feed. The country’s huge and expanding population means that there is a constant need for corn, both for personal use and to sustain the livestock industry, which is crucial to the production of meat and dairy products. Furthermore, China has been concentrating on enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of its agriculture by implementing cutting-edge technology like precision farming, high-yield crops, and improved irrigation techniques.
China is a big producer of maize, but it also imports trains to meet domestic demand and ensure food security. The anticipated 288.8 million metric tons of production in 2024 underscores China’s pivotal role in the global corn market and its persistent endeavors to maintain equilibrium between production and consumption requirements. This substantial output volume highlights the role that corn plays in China’s agricultural and economic system.
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3) Brazil
Brazil is predicted to produce 127 million metric tons of maize in 2024, making it the world’s third-largest producer of corn. Brazil produces a lot of maize because of its large agricultural fields, good climate, and wise application of cutting-edge farming techniques. Brazil’s major corn-producing states are Mato Grosso, Paraná, and Goiás. These areas gain from superior growing conditions and significant agricultural investment.
Brazil’s agricultural sector depends heavily on the country’s maize industry, which supplies both local consumption and export markets. A mainstay of Brazilian agriculture, corn provides vital feedstock for the nation’s vast livestock sector, which includes the production of cattle, pigs, and poultry. The “Sabrina,” Brazil’s second annual corn harvest, contributes significantly to the country’s overall output and helps to support the growth of its corn production.
Brazil is a key player in the world corn market, supplying important markets in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East and exporting a sizable amount of its grain. Brazil’s dedication to enhancing its agricultural capabilities and its growing importance in global agriculture are highlighted by the projected production of 127 million metric tons in 2024. Brazil’s crucial significance in guaranteeing global food security and satisfying the increasing demand for corn around the globe is underscored by this production volume.
4) European Union
It is estimated that the European Union will produce 6.1 million metric tons of grain in 2024. The EU is nevertheless a major player in the world maize market even though this number is far smaller than that of the leading corn-producing nations. The EU’s top corn-producing nations include France, Romania, Italy, and Hungary, where the crop’s output is boosted by their ideal temperatures and cutting-edge farming techniques.
The EU produces corn for a variety of uses, such as food items, animal feed, and biofuel. The comparatively smaller production amount is indicative of the European Union’s broad concentration on agriculture, encompassing a range of animals and crops. Furthermore, agricultural practices are impacted by EU rules that prioritize sustainability and quality over quantity. These policies are aimed at promoting sustainable farming and protecting the environment.
The maize sector in the EU contributes to both international trade and the demands of the internal market. 6.1 million metric tons of production are anticipated in 2024, demonstrating the region’s capacity to meet strict environmental and agricultural regulations while still adding to the world’s food supply. The EU’s dedication to striking a balance between agricultural output, sustainability, and environmental stewardship is demonstrated by this production statistic.
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5) Argentina
Argentina is expected to produce 5.5 million metric tons of corn in 2024, solidifying its place as a major player in the world’s agricultural system. Argentina is a major exporter of corn, making a considerable contribution to world food security despite producing less grain than the top-producing countries.
The Pampas region of Argentina, which comprises the provinces of Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Santa Fe, is the primary producer of corn in the country. This area is perfect for producing high-yield crops because of its rich soil and temperate temperature. To increase productivity, the well-developed agricultural sector in Argentina uses cutting-edge farming methods, premium seeds, and effective irrigation systems.
For Argentina’s domestic market, corn is essential because it is mainly used for animal feed, which sustains the robust livestock sector in the nation. Furthermore, a sizable amount of Argentina’s maize crop is exported abroad, mostly to nations in Asia and the Middle East. The nation’s economy depends heavily on its ability to export, as it offers a substantial foreign exchange source and sustains the livelihoods of several farmers and agribusinesses.
The 5.5 million metric tons of maize that are anticipated to be produced in 2024 demonstrate Argentina’s importance in the world corn market and its continuous efforts to raise agricultural output. The nation’s determination to use its natural resources and technological achievements to sustain its status as a major producer and exporter of corn is reflected in this production volume.
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6) India
India is expected to become one of the world’s leading maize producers in 2024 with 3.5 million metric tons of corn produced. The vast agricultural terrain and varied climate of India make it possible to grow maize in many different parts of the country, such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. These states contribute to the nation’s total corn production because they have ideal growing circumstances, such as enough rainfall and comfortable temperatures.
In India, corn is used for a variety of uses. It is a staple meal in many areas and is also used in industry and as animal feed. The expansion of the food processing industry, along with the growth of the livestock and poultry industries, has resulted in a steady increase in the demand for maize. Indian farmers have been implementing higher-yield seed varieties, better irrigation methods, and enhanced agricultural practices to meet this demand.
The potential of India in the global corn market is shown by the estimated production of 3.5 million metric tons in 2024. India’s efforts to increase self-sufficiency and lessen reliance on outside sources are reflected in the rising production, even though the nation still depends on imports to cover some of its internal demands. This production volume demonstrates how vital corn is to India’s agricultural sector and how crucial it is to the nation’s food security and economic development.
7) Ukraine
It is anticipated that Ukraine will yield 3 million metric tons of corn in 2024, solidifying its standing as one of the major producers of grain in Eastern Europe. Ukraine is a great place to grow maize because of its rich black soil, or chernozem, and its pleasant climate. The center and southern regions of Ukraine, including Poltava, Vinnytsia, and Dnipropetrovsk, are important corn-producing regions.
Ukraine’s agriculture industry, which is an essential component of the nation’s economy, depends heavily on corn output. Domestically, the crop is used for industrial, food, and animal feed uses. In addition, Ukraine is a significant exporter of corn, feeding markets in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. The nation is a major player in the world’s maize trade thanks to its advantageous position and easy access to Black Sea ports, which enable effective export logistics.
The projected 3 million metric tons of production in 2024 underscores Ukraine’s agricultural prowess and its significance in the world corn market. Notwithstanding obstacles like unstable political and economic conditions, Ukraine’s agriculture industry is robust and keeps making a substantial contribution to the world’s food security. This production volume demonstrates the maize industry’s potential for expansion and development in Ukraine and demonstrates the nation’s dedication to utilizing its natural resources and agricultural know-how.
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8) Mexico
Mexico is expected to produce 2.5 million metric tons of corn in 2024, demonstrating its prominence as one of the Americas’ leading producers of corn. The states of Jalisco, Sinaloa, and Guanajuato, among others, account for the majority of Mexico’s corn production. These areas are supported year-round by a variety of agricultural practices and meteorological circumstances.
Mexico places a great deal of cultural and economic significance on corn because it is a vital ingredient in animal feed and a mainstay in traditional cuisine. The nation’s agricultural industry, which produces corn among other things, is essential to maintaining rural livelihoods and guaranteeing food security for the populace. A percentage of Mexico’s maize production is also exported, mostly to markets in the US and other Latin American nations.
Mexico’s ability to meet both internal and international demand, as well as its contribution to the world corn market, is demonstrated by the estimated 2.5 million metric tons of corn produced in 2024. Mexico’s maize business is still strong and contributes significantly to the agricultural economy of the nation, even in the face of obstacles like shifting agricultural policies and unpredictable weather. This output level is indicative of Mexico’s prowess in agriculture and its dedication to maintaining its place as a major participant in the world corn market.
9) Russia
With an anticipated 1.7 million metric tons of maize produced in 2023, Russia is poised to establish itself as a major player in the world corn market. Russia produces most of its corn in areas like the Central Black Earth Region and the Southern Federal District, which have temperate climates. These regions have rich soils and sufficient rainfall, which enable the cultivation of corn besides other crops like wheat and barley.
Russia produces corn for a variety of uses, such as industrial applications, food processing, and animal feed. Thanks to government initiatives to boost agricultural production and technical improvements, the nation’s agricultural sector has been growing rapidly. Despite obstacles like logistical limitations and climate instability, Russia’s maize output has increased significantly in recent years.
The potential of Russia as an emerging corn producer is highlighted by the estimated 1.7 million metric tons of production in 2024. Despite being smaller in comparison to major producers like the US and Brazil, Russia’s strategic agricultural development programs are intended to boost self-sufficiency and improve global food security. This production number illustrates Russia’s determination to make the most of its agricultural resources and boost its competitiveness in the global maize market.
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10) South Africa
With an estimated 1.68 million metric tons of corn produced in 2023, South Africa is expected to maintain its status as one of the continent’s major corn producers. In South Africa, corn, also referred to as maize locally, is a staple grain grown in areas with ideal growing conditions, including the provinces of the North West, Mpumalanga, and the Free State. These regions enjoy consistent rainfall and comfortable temperatures, which help to sustain strong corn crop yields.
In South Africa, corn production is essential to the agricultural industry and the national economy. It is an essential diet for the populace and a vital part of the manufacturing of animal feed. In addition, South Africa exports a percentage of its maize crop to international and regional markets, which boosts the nation’s agricultural exports and foreign exchange profits.
The 1.68 million metric tons of maize that are anticipated to be produced in 2024 demonstrate South Africa’s capacity to both meet local demand and engage in the world corn market. The maize business in South Africa is resilient in the face of several obstacles, including periodic droughts and unpredictable weather patterns, thanks to progress in farming techniques and agricultural technology. This output number highlights South Africa’s contribution to the global agricultural trade as well as its role in ensuring food security within the area.
| No. | Country | Corn Production (Million metric tons) |
| 1 | United States | 389.7 |
| 2 | China | 288.8 |
| 3 | Brazil | 127 |
| 4 | European Union | 6.1 |
| 5 | Argentia | 5.5 |
| 6 | India | 3.5 |
| 7 | Ukraine | 3 |
| 8 | Mexico | 2.5 |
| 9 | Russia | 1.7 |
| 10 | South Africa | 1.68 |
Conclusion
The United States of America produces the largest amount of corn each year making it the largest corn producer in the world. There are several reasons why there is so much corn production in the world. It is not only used as food for humans and animals but also in numerous industrial processes. This article listed the top 10 largest corn producers in the world.
FAQs
Which Is the Most Produced Grain in the World?
Corn is the grain that is produced the most in the world. Recent reports suggest that 1.2 billion metric tons of corn was produced worldwide in 2023/24.
Which Country Produces the Most Corn?
The United States of America leads the ranking of largest corn producers in the world. The country is expected to produce over 389.7 million metric tons of corn in 2024.
Which Country Exports the Most Corn?
Brazil is the country that exports the largest amount of corn in the world. The country exported about 58 million metric tons of corn in the 2023/24 marketing year.
