Following increased purchases with the support of the U.S.-China Phase One agreement signed in 2020, U.S. corn exports to China in 2021 soared to record highs, increasing by 952.2 percent for a total of over 21.4 million metric tons, or 845.2 million bushels, in the 2020/2021 marketing year (Sept. 1, 2020-Aug. 30, 2021). China purchased almost one-third (30.7%) of all U.S. corn exported in the marketing year.

By the end of 2021, buyers in China had purchased more U.S. corn over the prior year than any other country in history. The Council believes a combination of market conditions and a willingness to honor commitments in Phase One brought China’s purchases to these new records.

The Council has worked in China for nearly 40 years, providing a wide range of technical assistance in the feed, livestock and other industries and developing strong relationships with customers there.

In addition to corn, China was the top market for sorghum and pork and pork products in the 2020/2021 marketing year, while the country’s buyers captured the fourth spot for U.S. beef and beef products and ethanol.