Top 12 World’s Biggest Maize-Producing Countries

Top 12 World’s Biggest Maize-Producing Countries– According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT) in 2026, there are 12 World’s Biggest Maize-Producing Countries in 2024. These countries have huge corn production to meet domestic consumption (food, forage, or fuel) or some of it has been exported to another country. Statistically, until 2024, the world’s production of corn reaches 1.21 billion tons (t) with a harvested area of around 209 million hectares (ha). With this volume of production, the corn plant (Zea mays) still becomes one of the most cultivated plant species in the world besides rice (Oryza sativa), soybean (Zea mays), and Wheat.

Historically, corn was first domesticated by native peoples in Mexico around 10,000 years ago. It is believed that modern corn has been derived from the Balsas teosinte (Zea mays parviglumis), a wild grass (Britannica, 2021). From time to time, its cultivation and growing region had spread as far north as southern Maine by the time of European settlement of North America, and Native Americans taught European colonists to grow the indigenous grains. Since its introduction into Europe by Christopher Columbus and other explorers and colonizers, corn has spread to all areas over the world. To date, according to its morphological traits, namely on its seed’s color, there are some types of maize including Hopi Pink, Blue Corn, Mandan Red, Hopi White, Indian Yellow, Indian Ornamental, and others.

Nutritional Contents of 100 grams of Corn

Taxonomically, maize plants are included in Kingdom: Plantae; Order: Poales; Family: Poaceae; Subfamily: Panicoideae; Genus: Zea; Species: Z. mays. Based on nutrition content, corn has several nutrition content, namely Water 76 g; Energy 86 kcal ; Energy 360 kJ ; Protein 3.27 g ; Total lipid (fat) 1.35 g ; Carbohydrate 18.7 g ; Fiber, total dietary 2 g ; Sugars, total including NLEA 6.26 g ; Sucrose 0.89 g; Glucose 3.43 g ; Magnesium (Mg) 37 mg ; Phosphorus (P) 89 mg ; Potassium (K) 270 mg ; Sodium (Na) 15 mg ; Zinc (Zn) 0.46 mg ; Copper (Cu) 0.054 mg and the other nutrition.

The Statistical World’s Productions and World’s Harvested Areas, and Yield of Maize From 1961 to 2024

Years	*World's Area Harvested of Corn Plants (Zea Mays)*	World's Production of Corn	Yield of Corn/ Maize
Years	(Hectare (Ha))	Tons (T)	(Tons/ Hectare (T/ha))
1961	105,559,547	205,027,236	1.94
1962	103,496,472	204,876,636	1.98
1963	108,427,427	220,228,115	2.03
1964	107,925,069	215,172,391	1.99
1965	106,676,499	226,544,121	2.12
1966	111,240,993	245,599,100	2.21
1967	112,457,700	272,548,408	2.42
1968	111,677,783	255,670,482	2.29
1969	111,338,020	269,505,982	2.42
1970	113,076,119	265,831,067	2.35
1971	118,195,097	313,622,542	2.65
1972	114,947,787	308,826,205	2.69
1973	116,943,548	318,290,384	2.72
1974	119,862,397	306,427,262	2.56
1975	121,483,561	341,751,886	2.81
1976	124,209,053	352,395,781	2.84
1977	125,249,255	371,593,270	2.97
1978	124,729,562	393,600,005	3.16
1979	123,679,501	418,622,905	3.38
1980	125,776,294	396,623,299	3.15
1981	127,894,969	446,772,427	3.49
1982	124,390,712	448,932,182	3.61
1983	117,848,132	347,081,960	2.95
1984	127,763,898	450,449,905	3.53
1985	130,512,374	485,527,217	3.72
1986	131,803,650	478,176,534	3.63
1987	129,971,991	453,115,706	3.49
1988	130,010,246	403,050,141	3.10
1989	131,782,846	476,874,410	3.62
1990	130,854,680	483,387,901	3.69
1991	133,613,935	494,367,007	3.70
1992	136,171,803	532,691,674	3.91
1993	131,466,416	477,156,263	3.63
1994	138,058,210	568,446,462	4.12
1995	135,907,510	517,234,690	3.81
1996	139,197,174	585,681,070	4.21
1997	140,739,437	584,562,152	4.15
1998	138,588,816	614,801,705	4.44
1999	137,144,274	607,170,918	4.43
2000	136,970,401	591,934,795	4.32
2001	137,337,471	614,986,879	4.48
2002	137,427,564	603,501,069	4.39
2003	144,478,621	644,601,935	4.46
2004	147,422,627	728,982,520	4.94
2005	148,183,028	714,224,246	4.82
2006	148,072,581	706,821,710	4.77
2007	159,250,484	793,296,449	4.98
2008	163,461,333	828,108,236	5.07
2009	159,536,000	822,089,490	5.15
2010	165,257,537	851,980,704	5.16
2011	172,620,259	886,742,985	5.14
2012	180,272,211	873,744,366	4.85
2013	186,866,247	1,015,521,648	5.43
2014	186,369,093	1,040,230,320	5.58
2015	190,590,241	1,052,811,884	5.52
2016	195,068,039	1,126,408,780	5.77
2017	197,833,313	1,137,672,644	5.75
2018	195,152,609	1,112,875,856	5.70
2019	196,273,912	1,138,850,843	5.80
2020	200,258,195	1,153,946,744	5.76
2021	206,393,508	1,203,326,825	5.83
2022	204,754,614	1,160,145,773	5.67
2023	211,099,135	1,238,582,561	5.87
2024	209,954,361	1,218,205,574	5.80
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026

Statistically, from time to time, the production of Corn has increased dramatically since the human need for its consumption. In the year 1961, the world’s production of corn was still 205 million tons (t) and after more than 60 years, precisely in 2024, the world’s production of corn reached 1.2 billion tons (t). Furthermore, the harvested areas of corn plants (Zea mays) also increased from 105 million hectares (ha) in 1961, and it became 209 million hectares (ha) in the year 2026. In productivity in each area, the yield of corn plants also increased from 1.94 tons/ hectare (t/ha) in 1961 to 5.8 tons/ hectare (t/ha) in 2026.

**World’s Statistical Production of Maize (Zea mays) Based on Continent Region in 2024**

Continental Region	Production of Maize in 2024
Continental Region	(Tons)
Africa	96,310,953
Americas	607,968,952
Asia	404,474,394
Europe	108,736,054
Oceania	715,221
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026

Based on statistics data on the continental region, this plant can be seen all over the continent and there are some primary areas of maize plantation. The continent of America still has the biggest production than others with volume of production reaching 607 million tons or contributing 50 % of the world’s corn production. Asia has become the 2^nd world’s biggest maize production with 404 million tons or contributes 34 % of corn production. Europe is the third with 108 million tons or contributing 9 % of the world’s corn production. Africa is the fourth with 95 million tons or contributing 8 % of the world’s corn production.

The Scientific Name of Corn Plants i.e. Zea Mays

At the national level, there are some countries with the biggest production of Zea mays. Overall, this data was obtained from the FAO Statistical Corporate Database or commonly known as FAOSTAT in 2026. Here are the 10 Biggest Maize-Producing Countries in the year 2024.

The Rank of 12 World’s Biggest Maize-Producing Countries

Rank	Countries	Production of Maize in 2024	Production of Maize in 2023	Production of Maize in 2022
Rank	Countries	(Tons)	(Tons)	(Tons)
1	United States of America	377,632,690	389,694,460	348,750,930
2	China, mainland	294,920,000	288,842,300	277,203,000
3	Brazil	114,953,303	131,950,246	109,420,717
4	Argentina	57,494,500	41,409,448	59,037,179
5	India	40,230,573	38,085,256	33,729,540
6	Ukraine	26,863,740	31,030,440	26,186,930
7	Mexico	24,326,508	27,549,918	26,625,694
8	Canada	15,344,938	15,420,909	14,538,878
9	Indonesia	15,138,912	19,985,653	23,564,000
10	France	14,670,620	12,834,600	10,877,190
11	Russian Federation	13,954,000	16,600,000	15,862,434
12	South Africa	12,850,000	16,430,000	15,470,000
Source: FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), 2026

Brief Description of 12 World’s Biggest Maize-Producing Countries

1. United States of America

The United States of America is the biggest producer of Maize production in 2024 based on the FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT). In that year, the production of stripes and stars reached 377 million tons. Furthermore, the USA also still becomes the largest country exporter of corn with exports valued at approximately USD 13.7 billion to USD 14.3 billion in 2024.

Geographically, in 2024, there are some states in the USA that have the biggest production of Maize. These states are Iowa with a production reach 2.2 billion bushels, followed by Illinois with a production of 2.1 billion bushels, Nebraska with 1.7 billion bushels, Minnesota with 1.4 billion bushels, Indiana with 981 million bushels, Kansas with 766 million bushels, and South Dakota with 729 million bushels.

Genetically, in this country, there are some types of maize that are planted in the USA. These types of corn are flint corn, dent corn, flour corn, popcorn, and sweet corn. Each of the varieties of maize is based on kernel size, color, and the content of starch within each kernel. But Dent Corn (Field Corn) makes up 99% of the U.S. A’s maize crops with over 90% of all corn planted in the U.S. is Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) or transgenic maize. Based on the climatic condition in the USA, the planting time of Corn plants (Zea mays) usually occurs in April to May and harvesting time happens in September to November. Furthermore, in the USA, some of the national Harvested corns are used Ethanol (Fuel), Animal Feed (specifically cattle, hogs, and poultry), and Food & Industrial (High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), corn starch, corn oil, and bioplastics).

2. China, mainland

China became the 2^nd biggest country producer of corn in 2024 based on FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT). Overall, the production of China’s corn reaches 294 million tons in the year of 2024. Meanwhile, as one of the world’s largest producers of corn, China still imports corn from other nations to fulfill domestic needs. Geographically, in China, there are some provinces that become the main are of corn production. these provinces are Heilongjiang produces 39 million tons of corn, followed by Jilin with the production of 30 million tons, Inner Mongolia with a production of 27 million tons, Shandong with a production of 25 million tons, and Henan with production reach 22 million tons. Functionally, after harvesting time, the usage of corn in China is used to fulfill the livestock sector. More than 60-60% of harvested corn is used for animal feed, especially pork feed. In addition, some of the harvested corn are used as starch, sweeteners, and alcohol.

Due to agro climatic conditions, in parts of North China, particularly on the North China plain, farmers cultivate maize after harvesting winter wheat. In areas of the Yellow-Huai River Valley, wheat crops are usually planted with enough space between maize prior to the wheat harvest (relay cropping). In the Southwest region, which includes both subtropical and tropical maize areas, climatic conditions allow more flexible rotations, and maize can be incorporated into rotations with a wide range of crops, including potatoes, vegetables, and melons.

3. Brazil

Brazil still became the 3^rd world’s biggest country producer of maize in 2024. In that year, based on the FAO Statistical database (FAOSTAT), Brazil’s corn production reached 114 million tons with more than 90% of Corn plants in Brazil being Genetic Modified Organism (GMO). Geographically, there are some states in Brazil which have become the main production areas of corn. These states are Mato Grasso with the production of 27 million tons, Followed by Parana with 14 million tons, Goiás with the production of 9.8 million tons, Matto Grasso du Sul with 8.9 million tons, and Minas Gerais with 7.2 million tons. With huge production of corn, Brazil also becomes one of the world’s biggest exporters of corn with around 55.9 million metric tons in 2023. In the post-harvesting treatment, around 60% of the harvested corn is processed into Animal Feed (poultry, cattle, pork), some of the harvested corn is used for Ethanol (biofuel), and the rest of the corn is exported to other nations.

4. Argentina

Argentina is the 4^th world’s largest country producer of maize in 2024. Based on the FAO Statistical Corporate Database in 2024, the corn production of tango’s country reaches 41 million tons. Geographically, there are some cultivation areas of corn. These provinces are Buenos Aires, covering 27% of the national area, followed by Cordoba with 26% of the national area, La Pampa with 14% of the area, Santa Fe with 12% of the area, Entre Rios with 6% of the national area, and Chaco with 4% of the national area of maize. Based on the type of corn, there is some popular corn in Argentina. These types are Blanco Ancho Maize, Amarillo Angosto Maize, Criollo White Corn, Culli Maize, Chullpi Maize, Capita Corn, Morocho Maize, and Colorado Maize. Of the harvested corn in Argentina, the usage of corn is processed into Animal Feed, Bioethanol, Industrial & Food (corn starch, grits, and flour).

5. India

India is the next biggest country producer of corn in 2024. Statistically, according to the FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of Mahatma Gandhi’s country reaches 40 million tons. Geographically, there are some states in India as main corn production. These states are Karnataka with production reaching 4.2 million tons or contribute 13 % of domestic corn production, followed by Madhya Pradesh with the production of corn reach 4 million tons or contribute 12.43 % of national corn production, Kerala with 3,985.81 or contribute 12 % of national production, Telangana with contributing 2.9 million tons or contribute 9.16 % of national corn production, Tamil Nadu with 2.4 tons, Andhra Pradesh with 2 million tons, West Bengal 2 million tons, Bihar with 2 million tons, Maharashtra with 1.9 million tons, and Uttar Pradesh with 1.6 million tons.

6. Ukraine

Ukraine is the 6^th world’s biggest country producer of corn. In 2024, Ukraine’s corn production reached 26.8 million tons. Geographically, in this country, there are some main are of corn production, these are Polvatta with contributing 13% of national corn production, followed by Vinnytsia, Summy, Chernihiv with each of them contributing 9% of national corn production, and Gherkassy, Kyiv, Kirovograd with contributing 8%, 7%, 7%, 7%, respectively.

7. Mexico

Mexico is the next biggest country producer of Corn from the American Continent. Statistically, in 2024, the production of Mexico’s corn reaches 24.3 million tons. Geographically, there is some state in Mexico as the main area of corn production. These areas are the states of Mexico, Jalisco, Michoacán, and Puebla.

8. Canada

Canada also has huge production of corn and the corn production in Canada reached 15.4 million tons in 2024. Geographically, the main cultivation area of Corn plants in Canada is located in Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba. Specifically, Ontario contributes around 60% of Canada's total production of corn, followed by Quebec and Manitoba.

9. Indonesia

Indonesia is the 9^th world’s biggest country producer of corn. In 2024, Indonesia’s corn production reached 15.1 million tons based on FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT). Geographically, in this country, there are some primary areas of con production. These areas are East Java Province, with a harvested area of 1.19 million ha with production reaching 5.37 million tons of corn followed by Central Java Province with a harvested area of 614.3 thousand ha with production reaching 3.18 million tons of corn. Third, Lampung Province with a harvested area of 474.9 thousand ha with a production of 2.83 million tons of corn. Fourth, North Sumatra Province with a harvested area of 350.6 thousand ha with production reaching 1.83 million tons. Fifth, South Sulawesi Province with a harvested area of 377.7 thousand with production reaching 1.82 million tons of corn. Sixth, West Nusa Tenggara Province with a harvested area of 283 thousand ha with production reaching 1.66 million tons of corn. Seventh, West Java Province with a harvested area of 206.7 thousand ha with production reaching 1.34 million tons of corn. Eighth, North Sulawesi Province with a harvested area of 235.5 thousand ha with production reaching 0.92 million tons of corn.

10. France

France is the 10th biggest producer of Maize in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of Maize from France reached 14,670,620 tons. Geographically, there are some regions in France that have become the main production of Maize. These regions include Pays de la Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Auvergne -Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, and Grand Est.

11. Russian Federation

Russia is the 11^th world’s biggest country of corn production. Karl Marx’s country of corn reaches 13.9 million tons in 2024. Maize is a valuable crop, as it can be used for both grain production and for silage and green forage for cattle. Among maize food products are flour, groats, cornflakes, and vegetable oil. Besides, starch, syrup, alcohol, and many other products can be produced from maize. Geographically, there are some areas of Russia with the biggest production of corn. These areas are Central Russia which contributes 38% of domestic corn, followed by Southern Russia which contributes 30% of domestic production, North Caucasus which contributes 21% of domestic production, and the Volga which contributes 8% of domestic production.

12. South Africa

South Africa is the 12^th biggest country in corn production. Statistically, in 2024, the production of South Africa’s corn reaches 12.85 million tons. Statistically, in this country, Corn remains South Africa’s top crop in terms of both area and production. Geographically, there are some provinces in South Africa that become the main area of Maize production. These main provinces are Free State, Mpumalanga, North West, Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal

The Table Summary of 12 World’s Biggest Maize-Producing Countries

The Histogram Summary of 12 World’s Biggest Maize-Producing Countries

Bibliography of Top 12 World’s Biggest Maize-Producing Countries

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