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Corn Exports

Iowa Corn is a Global Commodity

Exporting goods is important in promoting a healthy U.S. economy. With around 95 percent of the global population living outside the United States, the importance of agricultural exports to American farmers and the U.S. economy cannot be understated. Agricultural exports help to support nearly one million American jobs—whoa! To be sure, 31 percent of farm income is attained directly from exports, reflected in the fact that one out of every three acres in the United States is planted for crops that will be shipped out of the country in some form.

From grains to value-added products like pork and beef, the United States is the world leader in corn exports, with Iowa leading the charge as the top-producing state of corn, DDGS and ethanol, among other products. Value-added products such as ethanol and meat products have made up the largest share of U.S. agricultural exports at approximately 63 percent. 

Called “the backbone of the transportation logistics system,” the inland waterways are a key part of the United States’ transportation supply chain. The system includes a vast network of 12,000 miles of connecting waterways and 218 locks. However, the majority of locks and dams on the Mississippi River system were constructed during the 1930s and are operating well beyond their 50-year design life. Modernizing the nation’s inland waterways system will support and create American jobs, increase U.S. exports, and inject billions of dollars into the U.S. economy to power our growth for the next 50 years. Click here to learn more. 

The best way to enhance grower profitability is to create new demand for corn including export of grain and value-added grain products. The process of identifying, developing and sustaining markets for Iowa corn is a multifaceted endeavor that requires all hands on deck, including those of Iowa Corn and partner organizations like the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).


Exporter Information

Looking to buy corn or corn products? We partner with the U.S. Grains Council who can help connect you with a seller of grain. Below is a list of resources to help you through the process:

For a list of Iowa Suppliers:

Iowa Directory of Exports

For a list of U.S. Suppliers:

U.S. Grains Council - Commercial Grain Exporters

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