Maize is one of those crops that quietly works everywhere. It is eaten as corn, used in animal feed, processed into starch, turned into corn oil, used in snacks, breakfast cereals, sweeteners, ethanol and many industrial products. From farm fields to food factories and fuel plants, maize has become one of the most useful crops in the world.
The list is based on USDA’s June 2026 forecast for 2026/27 corn production. USDA projects global corn production at about 1,300.38 million metric tons, with the United States, China and Brazil far ahead of other countries. This list counts individual countries, not the European Union as one combined bloc.
Now let’s check out the top 10 largest producers of maize in the world in 2026.
1. United States – Around 406.29 Million Metric Tons
The United States leads the world because of huge corn belts, advanced farming and strong ethanol demand.
The United States is the largest maize producer in the world. Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Indiana and Kansas are among the major corn-growing states. American maize is used for animal feed, ethanol, food processing, exports and industrial products. The U.S. Corn Belt is one of the most productive agricultural regions on Earth.
2. China – Around 307 Million Metric Tons
China produces massive maize mainly to support livestock feed, food security and industrial use.
China ranks second among the largest maize producers. Major growing regions include Heilongjiang, Jilin, Inner Mongolia, Shandong, Henan and Hebei. Maize is extremely important for China’s animal feed sector, especially for pigs and poultry. Even with huge domestic production, China’s demand remains very high because of its large population and livestock industry.
3. Brazil – Around 139 Million Metric Tons
Brazil is a maize powerhouse because of its double-cropping system and strong export market.
Brazil stands third in global maize production. The country grows both first-crop and second-crop maize, with the second crop, called safrinha, playing a major role. Mato Grosso, Paraná, Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul and Minas Gerais are key producing areas. Brazil is also one of the world’s biggest maize exporters.
4. Argentina – Around 55 Million Metric Tons
Argentina is a major maize exporter with strong farming regions and global trade importance.
Argentina ranks fourth in maize production. Its fertile Pampas region gives it a natural advantage for grain farming. Maize is grown widely in Córdoba, Buenos Aires, Santa Fe and Entre Ríos. A large share of Argentina’s maize enters the export market, making it important for global feed grain supply.
5. India – Around 52 Million Metric Tons
India’s maize output is growing fast because of feed demand, food use and ethanol blending goals.
India holds fifth place among the largest maize producers. Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are major maize-growing states. Maize is used in poultry feed, starch, snacks, flour, corn oil and ethanol. Rising demand from the poultry and industrial sectors has made maize more important in Indian agriculture.
6. Ukraine – Around 30 Million Metric Tons
Ukraine remains a key maize producer because of its rich black soil and strong export tradition.
Ukraine ranks sixth in the world. Its fertile chernozem soil is highly suitable for grain crops such as maize, wheat and barley. Maize is grown across central and northern regions and is a major export crop. Even after facing war-related challenges, Ukraine remains an important name in global maize supply.
7. Mexico – Around 24.6 Million Metric Tons
Mexico is deeply connected with maize because corn is part of its food, culture and history.
Mexico ranks seventh among the largest maize producers. Maize is grown across many regions and is the base of tortillas, tamales, pozole and many traditional foods. White maize is especially important for human consumption, while yellow maize is used more for feed and industry. Despite strong production, Mexico still imports maize to meet its large demand.
8. South Africa – Around 16.5 Million Metric Tons
South Africa is Africa’s leading maize producer and a major supplier in the regional grain market.
South Africa stands eighth in the world. Maize is grown mainly in Free State, Mpumalanga and North West provinces. It is the country’s most important grain crop and is used for food, animal feed and exports. White maize is important for mealie meal, while yellow maize is widely used for livestock feed.
9. Russia – Around 15.8 Million Metric Tons
Russia’s maize production is supported by expanding grain farming and domestic feed demand.
Russia ranks ninth in global maize production. Maize is grown mainly in southern regions such as Krasnodar, Stavropol and parts of the North Caucasus. The crop supports animal feed, food processing and exports. Russia is better known for wheat, but maize has become a growing part of its grain economy.
10. Canada – Around 14.5 Million Metric Tons
Canada completes the top 10 with steady maize production led by Ontario and Quebec.
Canada is the tenth-largest maize producer in this country-wise ranking. Ontario and Quebec are the main maize-growing provinces, supported by suitable climate, modern farms and strong feed demand. Canadian maize is used for livestock feed, ethanol, food processing and industrial products. Though smaller than the U.S., Canada remains an important North American maize producer.
Final Words
Maize is more than a food crop. It is feed, fuel, trade, industry and farming power in one crop. The United States leads by a wide margin, while China and Brazil form the next two giants. Argentina, India, Ukraine, Mexico, South Africa, Russia and Canada complete the top 10. In 2026, these countries continue to shape the global maize market and support food, livestock and industrial supply chains.
