Corn
Corn is the shelled grain of Zea mays, traded globally as a primary agricultural commodity in dried form for human food, animal feed and industrial uses.
Prices, specifications and international trade for corn under HS 100590.
Corn Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Corn is quoted in USD/t at USA. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
Explore corn pricesCorn Exports and Imports
United States led reported corn exports in 2025, at $18.6B.
Compare corn exporting countriesCorn Specifications and Quality
Corn grading factors include Broken corn, Foreign material, and Class.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for corn considers Broken corn, Foreign material, and Class.
- Broken corn
Measures the proportion of kernels that pass through a 12/64 round‑hole sieve; buyers use it to assess handling losses.
- Foreign material
Measures non‑corn matter remaining after sieving; important for product purity.
- Class
Defines kernel colour (yellow, white, mixed) with limits on admixture of other colours.
Typical Specification Ranges
Corn specifications record moisture content. These are typical ranges, not guarantees for an individual lot.
| Moisture content | 12–13 % |
|---|
Common Defects
Recorded defects for corn include Broken corn, Foreign material, and Mycotoxins.
- Broken corn
Kernels fractured during handling, increasing dust and susceptibility to spoilage.
- Foreign material
Inclusion of stones, glass, weed seeds or other contaminants introduced during harvest or handling.
- Mycotoxins
Toxins produced by molds such as aflatoxin or fumonisin when moisture and temperature allow fungal growth.
Corn Facts and HS Code
Corn belongs to maize within grains, oilseeds, oils and feed. Its customs classification covers HS 100590.
Corn HS Code
| Also known as | White maize |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Zea mays L. |
| Product type | Raw |
| Form | Dried |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Maize — Grains, oilseeds, oils and feed |
| HS codes | 100590 |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | USA |
Production & Handling
Corn storage guidance: Stored in clean, sturdy sacks with moisture reduced to 12‑13 % and protected from pests and moisture.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | Low |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Storage conditions | Stored in clean, sturdy sacks with moisture reduced to 12‑13 % and protected from pests and moisture. |
| Production methods | Farmed |
| Processing steps |
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Packaging
Typical corn packaging includes Sacks.
- Sacks
Clean, sturdy, tightly sewn or sealed bags that maintain moisture control and protect against contamination.
Uses & Risks
Corn is used in Human food, Animal feed, and Industrial starch/ethanol.
End Uses
- Human food
Used for whole grain, corn meal, grits and processed foods.
- Animal feed
Ground or whole grain incorporated into livestock rations.
- Industrial starch/ethanol
Processed into starch or fermented for biofuel production.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Food processing, Animal feed, Ethanol production, Starch industry |
|---|---|
| Standards |
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Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Mycotoxin contamination Food safetyHigh Molds can produce aflatoxin, fumonisin and other toxins if grain moisture exceeds safe levels during storage. | Maintain moisture at 12‑13 % and store in clean, dry conditions; test batches for mycotoxins before shipment. |
Weather‑related yield variability ClimateMedium Planting and harvest depend on adequate soil moisture and temperature; adverse weather can reduce yields and affect grain quality. | Adopt timely planting in warm, moist soils and use moisture‑controlled drying to preserve grain after harvest. |
Insect infestation PestMedium Stored grain can be attacked by insects, leading to loss of quality and increased foreign material. | Use sealed, pest‑free sacks and apply appropriate fumigation or hermetic storage technologies. |
Corn Questions
- What moisture level should corn be dried to for safe storage?
- Corn should be dried to a moisture content of 12‑13 % to ensure safe storage and prevent mold growth.
- How are US corn grades defined?
- US corn grades are based on factors such as broken corn, foreign material, and kernel colour class (yellow, white, mixed) with specific limits for each grade.
- What packaging is recommended for bulk corn shipments?
- Bulk corn is typically packed in clean, sturdy sacks that are tightly sewn or sealed to protect against moisture and contamination.