How big a deal are Chinese corn imports to the US?
The question is posed by growing expectations for volumes that China will import from Brazil, after watering down phytosanitary restrictions.
While China has been a big buyer of US corn for the last couple of years, as long-standing expectations of a jump in its import needs have been borne out, historically it was only a small importer.
Previously, the US relied more on the likes of Japan, Mexico and South Korea for trade.
| Crop year | Total Chinese corn imports |
US corn exports to China |
Implied % of US origin |
| 2022-23 | 18.00* | ||
| 2021-22 | 23.00* | 14.204** | – |
| 2020-21 | 29.512 | 20.869 | 70.7% |
| 2019-20 | 7.580 | 3.138 | 41.4% |
| 2018-19 | 4.483 | 0.315 | 7.0% |
| 2017-18 | 3.456 | 0.308 | 8.9% |
| 2016-17 | 2.464 | 0.809 | 32.8% |
| 2015-16 | 3.174 | 0.264 | 8.3% |
| 2014-15 | 5.516 | 0.739 | 13.4% |
| 2013-14 | 3.277 | 2.379 | 72.6% |
| All data on an October-to-September basis, except ** October to August.
*= forecast. Sources: USDA, Agrimoney |
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