China is increasingly diversifying its corn import sources as ongoing trade tensions and shifting tariffs impact global agricultural trade dynamics. Recent data shows that China’s corn imports dropped significantly in early 2025, prompting efforts to secure more stable and varied supply channels.
According to the General Administration of Customs, China imported 180,000 tons of corn in the first two months of 2025, marking a sharp 97.1 percent decline compared to the previous year. Analysts attribute this drop to narrowing profit margins for importers, as well as escalating trade frictions between China and the United States.
Industry experts note that recent tariff policies have influenced these changes. In early February, the US administration imposed an additional 10 percent tariff on imports from China. In response, China announced countermeasures, including higher tariffs on US agricultural products such as corn and soybeans. These measures have affected bilateral agricultural trade volumes, prompting importers to seek alternatives.
In 2024, the United States supplied 2.07 million tons of corn to China, accounting for roughly 15 percent of China’s total corn imports. However, Brazil has since overtaken the US as China’s leading corn supplier, supported by favorable trade terms and stable production levels.
Chinese agricultural analysts suggest that the reduction in US corn imports is unlikely to impact China’s overall supply, as imports from countries like Brazil can compensate for the decline. Simultaneously, China is stepping up domestic corn production. Efforts include promoting high-protein corn varieties and leveraging agricultural technology to improve yields and nutritional value.
Last year, China produced 290 million tons of corn domestically. Authorities are also encouraging the cultivation of high-protein corn varieties across more than 10 million mu (around 666,000 hectares) of farmland. Increasing the protein content in corn may reduce the country’s dependence on imported soybeans by as much as 7 to 8 million tons annually.
Given the combination of diversified import sources and expanded domestic production, forecasts indicate that China’s corn import demand may decrease by approximately 50 percent in 2025.
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