Top Maize Producing Countries

Maize, also known as corn, is one of the world’s most important cereal crops, with the United States, China, and Brazil ranking as the top producers globally. The United States leads by a significant margin, particularly in the Midwest “Corn Belt,” where advanced technology and large-scale operations drive high yields. China and Brazil follow, with both countries expanding maize production to meet growing demand for food, animal feed, and biofuels. Maize was first domesticated around 9,000 years ago in southern Mexico from a wild grass called teosinte. Indigenous peoples selectively bred maize for larger, more nutritious kernels, and the crop gradually spread throughout the Americas. After the Columbian Exchange in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, maize was introduced to Europe, Africa, and Asia, where it became a staple due to its adaptability to diverse climates and soils. Today, maize is a cornerstone of global agriculture, supporting both human consumption and livestock industries.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat