Global spending on imported corn reached approximately US$52 billion in 2025, making corn one of the world's most heavily traded agricultural commodities. As a key ingredient for animal feed, food processing, and industrial applications, corn continues to play a critical role in global food security and supply chains.

Compared with 2021, when worldwide corn imports were valued at US$59.5 billion, total import spending declined by 12.7% over the five-year period. On a year-over-year basis, the market remained relatively stable, with global corn imports edging down 0.8% from US$52.4 billion in 2024.

The international corn import market remains concentrated among several large agricultural and livestock-producing economies. The five leading importers—Mexico, Japan, Egypt, South Korea, and Vietnam—accounted for approximately 34.5% of global corn import value in 2025.

From a regional perspective, Asia remained the largest corn-importing region, purchasing approximately US$20.6 billion, equivalent to 39.7% of worldwide imports. Europe ranked second with 21.8%, while Latin America and the Caribbean (excluding Mexico) represented 13.2% of global import demand.

Africa accounted for 12.9% of worldwide corn imports, followed by North America (12.4%) and Oceania (0.1%), where imports were primarily destined for Australia and New Zealand.

For international trade classification, corn is identified under HS Code 1005.

Top Corn Importing Countries in 2025

Mexico remained the world's largest corn importer in 2025, purchasing approximately US$5.7 billion worth of corn, representing 11% of total global imports.

Japan ranked second with US$4 billion (7.7%), followed by Egypt at US$2.9 billion (5.6%), South Korea at US$2.8 billion (5.4%), and Vietnam at US$2.5 billion (4.8%).

Other major corn-importing countries included:

1. Spain (4.3%, $2.2 Billion)

2. Iran (3.9%, $2.02 Billion)

3. Italy (3.8%, $1.95 Billion)

4. Colombia (3.5%, $1.8 Billion)

5. Netherlands (2.6%, $1.36 Billion)

6. Türkiye (2.5%, $1.29 Billion)

7. Saudi Arabia (2.4%, $1.25 Billion)

8. Peru (2.3%, $1.2 Billion)

9. Taiwan (2.1%, $1.09 Billion)

10. Malaysia (2.1%, $1.07 Billion)

Together, these 15 countries accounted for approximately 63.9% of global corn imports in 2025, highlighting the concentration of demand among major food-importing and livestock-producing economies.

Fastest-Growing and Declining Corn Import Markets

Several major importing countries recorded significant growth in corn purchases between 2024 and 2025.

Iran posted the strongest increase, with imports surging 87% year over year. Egypt followed with 28.4% growth, while Türkiye expanded by 24.8% and Peru recorded an increase of 19.7%.

On the other hand, several major markets reduced their import spending. Vietnam experienced the largest decline, with corn imports falling 17.7%, followed by South Korea (-3.1%) and Taiwan (-0.7%).

Leading Corn Importing Companies in 2025

According to Tendata trade intelligence data, the leading corn importers in 2025 included:

1. INERCO TRADE S A, Rue Jules Gachet 9, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland (2.06%, $512.07 Million)

2. CÔNG TY CỔ PHẦN KHAI ANH BÌNH THUẬN (1.51%, $376.3 Million)

3. LOUIS DREYFUS COMPANY SUISSE SA, Geneva, Switzerland (1.40%, $349.89 Million)

4. NIBULON SA, Neuchâtel, Switzerland (1.14%, $283.88 Million)

5. ADM MEXICO (1.12%, $279.13 Million)

6. ADELON AG, Baar, Zug, Switzerland (1.11%, $277.59 Million)

7. CÔNG TY CỔ PHẦN CHĂN NUÔI C P VIỆT NAM (1.03%, $256.24 Million)

8. VITERRA B V, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (0.92%, $230.13 Million)

9. ITALCOL S A (0.85%, $211.43 Million)

10. ADM ANDINA PERU S R L (0.85%, $211.3 Million)

>>Find More Corn Importers through Tendata<<

The global corn import market remained stable in 2025 despite a slight year-over-year decline in overall spending. Strong demand from the feed industry, food manufacturers, and biofuel producers continues to support international corn trade. While Asia remains the largest importing region, rising demand in countries such as Iran, Egypt, and Türkiye suggests new opportunities for exporters in the coming years.