Trouble Averted for Corn Exports to Mexico

Last month, Tidbits reported on potential trouble for Nebraska corn producers in Mexico’s corn market. A decree by the Mexican government requires the phase-out of the use of genetically modified (GMO) corn for human consumption by no later than January 31, 2024. At the time, it was unclear whether the decree applied to corn imported by Mexico and used in livestock feed. Nearly all of Nebraska’s corn exports to Mexico are used in livestock feed.

According to USDA secretary Tom Vilsack, the trouble for U.S. and Nebraska corn exports has been averted. Vilsack said Mexico’s decree would not apply to grain used for livestock feed based on his talks with the Mexican Agricultural Secretary. Thus, it appears a major market for Nebraska corn will remain unimpeded. Nebraska corn exports to Mexico since 2017 have ranged from $380-$429 million with Mexico being the largest foreign buyer of Nebraska corn.