The Top 10 Corn Importing Countries in Asia

Introduction

Corn is a staple crop worldwide, widely used for food, animal feed, and industrial purposes. In Asia, several countries heavily rely on importing corn to meet their domestic demands. In this report, we will explore the top 10 corn importing countries in Asia, analyzing their import volumes, key players in the industry, and trends shaping the market.

1. China

China is the largest importer of corn in Asia, with a significant portion of its imports used for animal feed. The country’s growing population and demand for meat products have driven the need for corn imports. Major companies involved in corn importation in China include COFCO, Sinograin, and Chinatex.
In 2020, China imported over 7 million metric tons of corn, with the United States being its primary supplier. The trade tensions between the US and China have impacted corn imports, leading China to diversify its sources by increasing imports from countries like Ukraine and Brazil.

2. Japan

Japan is another major corn importer in Asia, primarily used for food and industrial purposes. The country imports around 15 million metric tons of corn annually, with the United States, Brazil, and Argentina being its main suppliers. Key players in the corn import industry in Japan include Zen-Noh and Marubeni.
The demand for corn in Japan is driven by its food processing industry, as corn is used in various products such as snacks, beverages, and sweeteners. The country’s strict regulations on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have influenced its sourcing decisions, favoring non-GMO corn suppliers.

3. South Korea

South Korea is a significant importer of corn in Asia, with over 10 million metric tons imported annually. The country’s feed industry is the primary consumer of corn imports, supporting its livestock production sector. Major companies involved in corn importation in South Korea include KFA, Daehan Flour Mills, and Nonghyup.
South Korea relies heavily on corn imports to meet its domestic demand, as the country lacks sufficient arable land for corn cultivation. The government’s support for the livestock industry has further fueled the demand for corn imports, making South Korea a key player in the Asian corn import market.

4. Vietnam

Vietnam has emerged as a significant corn importer in Asia, importing over 5 million metric tons annually. The country’s poultry and livestock industries are major consumers of corn imports, driving the demand for feed grains. Key players in the corn import industry in Vietnam include Cargill, CP Group, and Vinamilk.
Vietnam’s rapid economic growth and increasing meat consumption have led to a surge in corn imports, with the United States and Argentina being the primary suppliers. The government’s focus on modernizing the agricultural sector has further boosted the demand for corn imports in Vietnam.

5. Indonesia

Indonesia is a major importer of corn in Asia, with imports reaching over 8 million metric tons annually. The country’s feed industry is the main consumer of corn imports, supporting its growing livestock and poultry sectors. Key players in the corn import industry in Indonesia include Charoen Pokphand, Japfa, and Salim Group.
Indonesia’s domestic corn production has been insufficient to meet its growing demand, leading to a heavy reliance on imports. The government’s support for the livestock industry and increasing meat consumption have further driven the demand for corn imports in Indonesia.

6. Philippines

The Philippines is a significant importer of corn in Asia, with imports exceeding 3 million metric tons annually. The country’s feed industry is the primary consumer of corn imports, supporting its livestock and poultry sectors. Major companies involved in corn importation in the Philippines include Universal Robina Corporation and San Miguel Corporation.
The Philippines’ limited arable land for corn cultivation has resulted in a heavy dependence on imports to meet its domestic demand. The government’s focus on food security and supporting the agriculture sector has further boosted the demand for corn imports in the country.

7. Malaysia

Malaysia is a notable importer of corn in Asia, with imports surpassing 3 million metric tons annually. The country’s feed industry is the major consumer of corn imports, supporting its livestock and poultry sectors. Key players in the corn import industry in Malaysia include Leong Hup and QL Resources.
Malaysia’s limited arable land for corn cultivation has led to a reliance on imports to meet its domestic demand. The government’s support for the livestock industry and increasing meat consumption have driven the demand for corn imports in Malaysia.

8. Thailand

Thailand is a significant importer of corn in Asia, with imports reaching over 4 million metric tons annually. The country’s feed industry is the main consumer of corn imports, supporting its livestock and poultry sectors. Major companies involved in corn importation in Thailand include Charoen Pokphand Foods and Betagro.
Thailand’s domestic corn production has not been sufficient to meet its growing demand, leading to a heavy reliance on imports. The government’s support for the livestock industry and increasing meat consumption have further fueled the demand for corn imports in Thailand.

9. Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a notable importer of corn in Asia, with imports exceeding 2 million metric tons annually. The country’s feed industry is the primary consumer of corn imports, supporting its poultry and livestock sectors. Key players in the corn import industry in Bangladesh include Kazi Farms and Aftab Bahumukhi Farms.
Bangladesh’s limited arable land for corn cultivation has resulted in a heavy dependence on imports to meet its domestic demand. The government’s focus on food security and supporting the agriculture sector has further boosted the demand for corn imports in Bangladesh.

10. Singapore

Singapore is a significant importer of corn in Asia, with imports reaching over 1 million metric tons annually. The country’s food processing industry is the main consumer of corn imports, supporting its manufacturing sector. Major companies involved in corn importation in Singapore include Wilmar International and Olam.
Singapore’s lack of arable land for corn cultivation has led to a heavy reliance on imports to meet its domestic demand. The government’s focus on food security and supporting the manufacturing industry have further driven the demand for corn imports in Singapore.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top 10 corn importing countries in Asia play a crucial role in meeting the region’s domestic demand for corn. These countries heavily rely on imports to support their feed, food, and industrial sectors, driving the demand for corn in the region. Key players in the corn import industry in Asia include major companies involved in feed production, food processing, and agriculture. As the demand for corn continues to grow in Asia, these countries will remain significant players in the global corn market.