Mexico will harvest the lowest corn crop in a decade

According to the Agricultural Markets Consulting Group (GCMA), based on data from the Agri-Food and Fisheries Information Service and the National Customs Agency of Mexico, Mexico will end 2024 with corn production of 23.3 million tons, the lowest since 2014.

Of this volume, about 20.3 million tons will be white corn, which is the lowest in 12 years.

It is reported that over the past decade, the area designated for sowing corn has decreased: from 7.7 million hectares to just over 7 million. At the same time, the area for growing berries, which are among the top five products of Mexican food exports, after beer, tequila and tomatoes, has increased.

GCMA Chairman Juan Carlos Anaya noted that a low corn harvest could lead to higher prices for white corn and tortillas. At the same time, according to him, the increase in imports, especially of yellow corn, reflects Mexico’s dependence on external supplies, mainly from the United States. Today, Mexico is the largest importer of corn in the world.

Since 1994, Mexico has been self-sufficient in white corn production, meaning that all the grain used to make dough and tortillas is produced domestically. However, over the past decade, white corn production has virtually stalled.

In 2023, according to official data, Mexico imported 19.6 million tons of corn, and in 2024, imports are expected to increase by 21%.

Tags: corn, crop forecast