The graph shows China imports of corn and the U.S. market share. Growing from almost nothing, China’s corn imports reach 5 million metric tons (197 million bushels) in the marketing year just ending, with almost all imports from the United States.

According to the U.S. Grains Council, China is the second largest corn producer in the world was at one time our biggest competitor in corn exports. However, rapid economic growth, urbanization and consumer demand for improved diets has seen China’s corn demand surge beyond its own productive capacity. For corn imports China has turned almost exclusively to the United States.