18-month US corn belt market overview · Weather patterns · Export dynamics
The global corn market is characterized by significant concentration in two major producers: the United States (30.8%) and China (22.3%), collectively accounting for over half of global production. The US corn belt, centered in Iowa and Illinois, continues to deliver record yields supported by favorable weather conditions and advanced agricultural technology.
Growth markets Brazil (10.1%) and China are expanding production capacity, with Brazil's safrinha (second crop) system proving increasingly efficient. Meanwhile, Ukraine's production (3.4%) remains constrained by ongoing conflict, creating supply chain uncertainties in European markets.
The market outlook remains stable with prices finding support around $4.25/bu. Strong feed demand from expanding livestock operations, combined with robust ethanol margins and accelerating Chinese purchases, provide bullish counterbalances to near-capacity storage infrastructure and record harvest volumes.
