Maize (corn) Production by Country 2025
Maize (corn to Americans!)—the golden grain that feeds billions—dominates global agriculture with the United States leading at 389,694,460 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 375,162,944 tonnes by 2025. with global production of 1,241,557,806 tonnes in 2023 (up 6.8% from 2022), China follows with 288,842,300 tonnes, while Brazil produces 131,950,246 tonnes. This New World native spans 164 countries, making it one of Earth's most widely cultivated crops. Whether you're munching popcorn, eating cornbread, fueling your car with ethanol, or feeding livestock, maize touches your life daily. From ancient Aztec staple to modern biotech marvel, corn conquered the world!
The United States' 389.7 million tonnes represents about 31% of global maize production, with Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Minnesota forming the legendary Corn Belt. American production shows volatility from 346 million to 389 million tonnes, reflecting weather impacts and market dynamics. About 40% becomes animal feed, 30% ethanol fuel, 15% exports, and just 10% human food. The US pioneered hybrid corn (1930s), GMO varieties (1990s), and precision agriculture. Challenges include drought (especially 2012), soil degradation, and dependence on fossil fuel inputs. Modern American corn farming is industrial-scale—massive equipment, GPS guidance, and yields averaging 11 tonnes/hectare. The crop's economic impact is enormous—corn farming, processing, and ethanol production employ millions. Brazil produces 132 million tonnes with explosive growth, becoming major exporter. Argentina contributes 41.4 million tonnes (down from 60 million—drought impact), Mexico 27.5 million tonnes (corn's birthplace!), and Canada 15.1 million tonnes. Paraguay (4.5 million), Colombia (1.9 million), and Peru (1.6 million) serve regional markets. Mexico's relationship with corn is sacred—tortillas, tamales, pozole define cuisine. Brazilian production targets animal feed and exports to Asia. Argentine corn feeds cattle and exports. The region faces challenges from climate change (irregular rainfall), deforestation pressures, and market volatility. However, Americas' diverse climates and established infrastructure ensure continued dominance. China's 288.8 million tonnes serves massive domestic consumption—animal feed for pork production and human food. India produces 38.1 million tonnes, Indonesia 20 million, and Philippines 8.4 million. African production grows rapidly: Nigeria 11.1 million, Ethiopia 10 million, Tanzania 8 million, and Kenya 4.3 million tonnes. Maize is Africa's staple—ugali, sadza, pap, and fufu feed millions. Ukraine (31 million tonnes) and Russia (16.6 million) are major exporters despite war disruptions. European production includes France (12.8 million), Poland (9 million), and Romania (8.7 million). The diversity of producers—from high-tech American farms to African smallholders—shows corn's adaptability. Maize provides carbohydrates (75%), protein (9%), fiber, and B vitamins at 365 calories per 100g. Yellow corn contains carotenoids (vitamin A precursors), white corn doesn't. The grain's versatility is unmatched: fresh sweet corn (summer treat!), cornmeal/flour (tortillas, polenta, cornbread), hominy (nixtamalized corn), popcorn (whole grain snack), corn oil, corn syrup, and cornstarch. Industrial uses include ethanol fuel, biodegradable plastics, and animal feed (60% of global production!). Different corn types serve different purposes—dent corn (animal feed, processing), flint corn (polenta, tortillas), sweet corn (fresh eating), and popcorn (snacking). Corn's amino acid profile lacks lysine and tryptophan, requiring dietary diversity. Maize thrives in warm climates (21-27°C) with 500-800mm rainfall during 90-150 day growing season. It's a C4 plant (efficient photosynthesis) tolerating heat better than wheat or rice. Modern corn is heavily bred—hybrid vigor, GMO traits (Bt for insects, Roundup Ready for herbicides), and drought tolerance. The crop requires significant nitrogen fertilizer (environmental concern), though precision agriculture optimizes inputs. Major challenges include corn borers, rootworms, armyworms, rust diseases, and drought. Climate change brings irregular rainfall and heat stress. Monoculture corn farming (common in US) depletes soil and requires heavy inputs. However, corn's high yields (10-12 tonnes/hectare in developed countries) make it efficient land use. No-till farming and cover crops improve sustainability. Global corn markets value feed corn at $150-250/tonne, with prices volatile from weather and policy. The ethanol mandate (US, Brazil) creates artificial demand, linking corn to oil prices. China's massive imports (20+ million tonnes annually) drive global markets. African food security depends on corn prices—volatility causes crises. GMO corn dominates Americas (90%+ in US), while Europe restricts it. Climate change affects yields unpredictably—2012 US drought spiked global prices. The crop's multiple uses create complex market dynamics—food vs. fuel debates, export restrictions during shortages, and speculation. Sustainable intensification (higher yields with lower inputs) is critical. Organic and non-GMO corn command premiums but represent tiny market share. Global maize production should grow 2-3% annually through 2025, driven by population growth and meat consumption (corn-fed animals). Climate-adapted varieties help cope with heat and drought stress. The industry invests in drought-tolerant GMOs, nitrogen-efficient varieties, and precision agriculture. African production growth is critical for food security—improved varieties, better agronomy, and market access. The food vs. fuel debate continues—ethanol mandates compete with food needs. Sustainability challenges include reducing fertilizer use, preventing soil erosion, and maintaining biodiversity. This 10,000-year-old crop transformed from Mexican grass to global staple will continue feeding humanity, though production must adapt to climate challenges while reducing environmental impacts. Corn's future is golden—if we farm it wisely!🏆 America's Corn Belt Dominance
Maize (corn) Production by Country 2025
🌎 Americas: Corn's Ancestral Home
🌏 Asian Giants and African Growth
💪 Versatile Grain Powerhouse
🌱 High-Input Industrial Crop
📈 Feed, Fuel, and Food Markets
🔮 Feeding Future Billions
Maize (corn) Production by Country 2025
#
1
364,262,150
345,962,110
358,447,310
381,469,380
346,739,460
389,694,460
375,162,944
2
257,173,900
260,778,900
260,670,000
272,552,000
277,203,000
288,842,300
282,092,450
3
82,366,531
101,126,409
103,990,935
88,272,116
109,738,941
131,950,246
116,551,228
4
43,462,323
56,860,704
58,395,811
60,525,805
59,037,179
41,409,448
50,521,039
5
28,752,880
27,715,100
28,765,970
31,646,910
33,729,540
38,085,256
35,490,872
6
35,801,050
35,880,050
30,290,340
42,109,850
26,186,930
31,030,440
31,793,269
7
27,169,400
27,228,242
27,424,528
27,503,478
26,553,239
27,549,918
27,241,626
8
18,840,000
19,650,000
16,926,000
18,146,617
22,356,753
19,985,653
20,329,176
9
13,103,975
11,824,180
15,843,545
16,315,000
15,470,000
16,430,000
16,119,000
10
11,419,020
14,282,352
13,879,210
15,237,583
15,862,434
16,600,000
16,106,247
11
13,884,800
13,403,900
13,563,300
14,610,792
14,538,878
15,075,930
14,821,787
12
12,580,430
12,845,020
13,726,410
15,358,290
10,877,190
12,834,600
12,752,115
13
10,934,149
12,598,945
12,403,300
12,744,450
12,948,920
11,053,000
11,960,066
14
10,119,847
9,635,734
10,022,286
10,751,000
10,200,000
10,000,000
10,210,200
15
6,826,379
7,883,003
8,939,785
9,524,531
10,984,509
9,847,224
10,123,871
16
18,663,940
17,432,220
10,096,690
14,820,690
8,037,130
8,744,000
9,747,277
17
3,792,140
3,664,550
6,694,370
7,321,910
8,344,890
8,981,890
8,458,794
18
5,700,000
6,000,000
6,500,000
6,750,000
8,500,000
9,000,000
8,400,000
19
7,771,919
7,978,845
8,118,546
8,287,191
8,255,610
8,405,004
8,336,623
20
6,273,151
5,652,005
6,711,000
7,039,000
6,537,000
8,010,949
7,374,374
21
5,111,236
7,593,140
7,593,175
8,035,715
6,857,490
7,130,000
7,229,390
22
6,964,770
7,344,542
7,872,607
6,027,131
4,283,293
6,630,984
5,805,906
23
6,199,150
6,279,120
6,793,130
6,079,960
4,697,170
5,348,700
5,299,493
24
7,930,560
8,229,690
8,365,430
6,424,630
2,765,600
6,242,410
5,235,811
25
5,069,143
4,535,058
4,990,207
4,847,845
4,700,344
4,954,166
4,856,755
26
5,344,650
5,576,900
5,834,593
4,088,093
4,624,678
4,491,550
4,450,797
27
4,874,054
4,732,149
4,558,107
4,446,383
4,423,352
4,437,219
4,434,892
28
3,288,102
3,569,321
4,015,306
4,116,438
4,261,845
4,592,507
4,398,095
29
3,344,300
3,664,800
4,020,000
4,462,400
3,837,400
4,498,900
4,293,150
30
2,697,959
3,391,924
3,691,866
4,581,000
3,716,479
3,510,000
3,786,144
31
4,013,777
3,582,000
3,789,000
3,304,430
3,082,220
4,285,206
3,728,155
32
3,624,950
3,816,536
3,516,865
3,603,000
3,904,687
3,386,941
3,585,477
33
3,442,430
2,760,000
3,500,000
3,500,000
4,738,000
2,800,000
3,521,400
34
2,306,384
2,911,000
3,071,000
3,203,000
3,255,718
3,619,000
3,426,815
35
3,842,520
4,184,460
4,214,100
4,597,660
3,590,260
2,835,360
3,414,290
36
2,394,907
2,004,389
3,387,470
3,620,244
2,706,243
3,261,686
3,166,765
37
2,765,316
2,818,684
2,972,177
2,970,208
3,089,902
3,214,698
3,128,361
38
2,596,844
2,653,243
2,835,674
2,997,733
3,106,397
2,976,490
3,019,711
39
3,522,500
4,059,790
3,014,090
3,427,310
2,554,370
2,448,780
2,676,163
40
2,186,055
2,138,962
2,186,150
2,243,379
2,283,672
2,335,599
2,301,577
41
1,876,153
2,566,571
2,214,121
2,300,000
2,300,000
2,300,000
2,300,000
42
1,984,136
1,985,765
2,072,482
2,274,200
2,303,491
2,200,000
2,245,887
43
2,398,637
2,217,215
2,087,957
2,100,000
2,200,000
2,200,000
2,180,000
44
2,130,340
2,298,880
2,411,930
2,434,900
2,113,960
2,105,060
2,173,698
45
1,406,794
1,451,686
1,632,321
1,824,281
2,382,511
2,124,749
2,141,984
46
1,977,433
1,854,172
1,972,290
2,061,261
2,072,142
2,075,661
2,071,725
47
2,147,280
2,298,320
2,430,600
2,242,120
1,641,890
1,991,270
1,936,626
48
1,700,127
1,710,898
1,920,101
1,853,510
1,810,276
1,995,359
1,911,465
49
1,378,368
1,394,863
1,392,895
1,551,016
1,921,177
1,949,538
1,861,325
50
1,509,758
1,580,750
1,611,615
1,628,149
1,619,605
2,059,254
1,841,138
51
1,576,752
1,575,955
1,448,383
1,582,557
1,608,839
1,640,374
1,619,350
52
1,324,147
1,479,770
1,304,884
1,699,370
1,641,131
1,413,382
1,538,904
53
2,073,775
2,129,889
785,170
2,792,723
752,297
1,351,477
1,459,972
54
1,205,980
1,233,620
1,178,050
1,350,250
1,340,950
1,416,690
1,380,680
55
1,091,345
1,023,089
1,636,271
1,371,884
1,000,000
1,350,000
1,249,377
56
1,231,500
895,000
900,000
699,000
1,163,000
1,480,000
1,228,700
57
1,054,960
1,102,433
1,175,715
1,139,557
1,199,340
1,223,000
1,199,213
58
1,260,926
987,503
954,833
1,250,330
985,621
1,257,459
1,174,482
59
862,094
895,978
958,106
1,129,508
1,098,041
1,189,083
1,149,856
60
1,498,210
1,444,810
1,642,670
1,579,120
683,700
1,105,660
1,073,764
61
1,137,845
1,095,331
1,075,833
1,148,000
975,000
1,000,000
1,022,100
62
886,630
912,086
885,030
929,020
957,047
1,013,000
979,418
63
1,560,100
773,976
1,202,347
1,469,664
1,019,604
634,699
917,163
64
818,544
773,452
792,509
798,327
814,706
982,000
895,077
65
485,673
530,705
761,883
754,621
787,750
929,000
851,749
66
1,272,339
1,235,596
1,426,356
893,124
987,215
698,289
823,934
67
685,509
785,991
780,730
836,715
779,043
770,000
786,056
68
692,877
711,786
714,086
691,139
732,633
799,936
757,986
69
713,860
755,130
682,090
752,490
717,990
767,210
749,500
70
290,498
270,813
405,650
610,450
1,055,585
585,624
731,578
71
413,165
421,273
475,341
590,016
656,414
781,414
705,634
72
705,309
589,020
666,799
673,472
683,605
722,696
701,124
73
489,150
620,260
825,500
988,040
639,470
507,540
643,219
74
1,110,608
973,178
592,988
793,822
608,006
543,126
612,729
75
309,000
816,000
763,100
769,500
878,000
265,900
550,250
76
101,349
215,309
226,987
309,841
535,715
562,563
503,964
77
376,550
429,220
421,010
449,890
500,390
517,490
498,840
78
225,000
473,064
419,345
374,400
496,003
538,251
492,806
79
424,204
421,218
448,633
482,682
458,522
508,492
488,339
80
981,680
793,625
683,625
535,257
462,810
450,000
470,894
81
391,104
388,951
399,125
414,271
401,419
409,116
407,838
82
387,240
327,206
267,552
305,656
430,000
386,502
383,382
83
395,223
400,146
371,148
375,726
380,992
355,856
367,371
84
608,898
649,748
585,298
437,879
320,170
352,838
360,046
85
437,898
414,606
407,371
364,631
363,985
354,241
359,242
86
350,490
360,360
429,850
388,830
277,820
389,030
355,627
87
106,670
184,671
271,776
264,314
311,000
363,000
327,663
88
270,041
245,647
313,520
472,444
259,040
221,249
282,825
89
247,939
283,570
314,512
279,248
269,600
287,001
280,230
90
215,000
219,220
224,883
232,026
266,914
268,062
260,510
91
237,355
232,898
182,000
339,800
220,000
200,000
233,960
92
174,759
178,762
206,476
210,124
227,136
243,902
232,117
93
99,549
103,531
202,077
208,140
214,384
220,815
216,351
94
194,200
207,100
255,000
233,000
152,900
190,900
187,920
95
234,033
194,597
131,132
200,000
185,000
180,000
185,500
96
191,993
195,955
190,098
209,281
188,249
164,354
180,508
97
345,909
307,000
257,216
238,721
167,054
160,000
177,860
98
149,611
169,427
181,003
175,454
219,300
141,000
171,381
99
89,280
148,300
165,790
171,420
176,900
151,930
163,319
100
128,540
123,065
133,115
135,425
139,220
160,135
148,918
101
190,722
148,058
149,685
134,036
146,980
133,176
137,489
102
134,853
174,627
219,692
98,216
125,317
135,314
124,895
103
77,766
58,049
83,339
108,743
110,652
112,411
111,150
104
109,912
24,621
21,782
88,553
72,096
126,994
102,836
105
113,000
95,000
87,000
100,042
127,315
85,202
100,804
106
59,253
45,000
60,142
78,127
98,856
105,609
98,087
107
87,590
97,970
141,690
104,680
99,790
91,330
96,538
108
78,012
76,336
91,766
95,141
91,211
91,000
91,892
109
86,214
75,690
77,606
56,058
87,000
85,000
79,812
110
44,681
49,840
51,131
54,725
62,825
81,635
70,610
111
36,438
48,290
86,159
94,375
60,000
60,000
66,875
112
102,000
57,000
75,000
49,000
65,000
75,000
66,800
113
15,394
47,635
59,201
59,000
58,500
60,245
59,473
114
74,929
77,801
74,477
68,291
50,018
51,410
54,369
115
118,392
40,491
29,888
48,637
35,783
60,094
50,509
116
35,480
40,820
38,740
45,270
60,690
40,820
47,671
117
45,421
45,901
46,822
46,048
46,257
46,376
46,275
118
24,633
7,278
61,947
67,436
29,782
32,740
38,792
119
55,259
46,235
40,965
30,939
25,981
25,118
26,541
120
18,070
16,088
17,363
27,895
19,523
26,000
24,436
121
22,981
38,685
26,549
22,545
24,000
25,000
24,209
122
8,869
25,792
25,792
20,020
22,550
26,220
23,879
123
46,000
25,000
13,587
23,472
24,124
23,273
23,568
124
8,170
26,072
26,405
23,475
21,429
22,014
22,130
125
20,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
126
7,000
9,678
13,470
16,971
20,328
21,000
19,993
127
17,028
17,583
18,138
18,693
19,174
19,684
19,333
128
12,000
17,232
15,000
12,000
17,896
15,000
15,269
129
4,600
11,300
12,500
14,900
12,200
15,700
14,490
130
12,807
14,000
13,000
13,000
13,000
13,000
13,000
131
5,512
6,368
3,221
18,491
11,000
12,000
12,998
132
12,607
13,182
12,871
12,887
12,980
12,912
12,927
133
29,536
37,900
6,419
5,681
9,333
14,392
11,132
134
8,827
8,916
26,755
15,545
22,161
2,438
10,976
135
9,775
13,426
14,306
11,632
11,629
4,393
8,012
136
18,063
13,306
14,181
6,026
6,706
7,321
6,878
137
7,615
4,758
6,467
6,292
5,154
6,486
6,048
138
4,446
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
139
10,184
8,842
10,071
7,417
4,242
2,902
4,207
140
4,000
4,000
4,000
4,000
4,000
4,000
4,000
141
3,550
3,610
3,411
3,452
3,830
3,965
3,822
142
3,570
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
3,000
143
2,743
2,773
2,547
2,631
2,813
2,682
2,711
144
2,177
2,058
2,018
2,122
2,426
2,291
2,298
145
1,866
619
947
2,809
1,151
2,014
1,914
146
1,208
1,400
1,704
1,438
1,685
2,006
1,796
147
387
495
778
1,106
823
1,502
1,219
148
917
932
944
956
986
983
979
149
460
660
660
460
910
950
840
150
941
762
760
821
781
787
792
151
1,030
900
848
796
640
633
668
152
0
0
0
474
840
568
631
153
626
613
622
612
616
616
615
154
386
384
384
387
388
390
389
155
719
640
432
449
222
464
388
156
20
73
154
217
385
324
321
157
190
191
192
192
193
193
193
158
163
169
168
166
168
167
167
159
151
147
147
148
147
147
147
160
90
92
90
91
91
90
91
161
37
51
46
45
47
46
46
162
109
42
86
50
51
42
46
163
85
142
38
27
29
29
29
164
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most maize (corn) in the world?
United States is the world's largest maize producer with 389,694,460 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 375,162,944 tonnes by 2025, accounting for approximately 31% of global production. China ranks second with 288,842,300 tonnes, while Brazil ranks third at 131,950,246 tonnes with explosive growth. US production concentrates in the Corn Belt (Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota), with about 40% becoming animal feed, 30% ethanol fuel, 15% exports, and just 10% human food. American corn farming is industrial-scale with hybrid varieties, GMO traits, and precision agriculture achieving yields averaging 11 tonnes/hectare.
What's the difference between field corn and sweet corn?
They're completely different! Field corn (dent corn) is what farmers grow in vast fields—it's starchy, not sweet, and inedible fresh. It's harvested mature and dry, then processed into animal feed, corn syrup, cornmeal, ethanol, and industrial products. Field corn represents 99% of US corn production. Sweet corn is a genetic mutation with higher sugar content, harvested immature (milky stage) for fresh eating—that's what you grill or boil. It's planted, grown, and harvested completely differently. You can't eat field corn off the cob—it's hard and tasteless. Conversely, sweet corn left to mature doesn't become field corn—it just gets tough and starchy. They're bred for different purposes: field corn for starch and processing, sweet corn for fresh consumption. So those endless cornfields you see? Not for eating fresh—they're feeding animals and cars!
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 13.11.2025https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
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