What's the Tariff on Corn?
US export crop facing retaliatory tariffs abroad.
Current Tariff Rate
0%
Pre-2025 Rate
0%
Rate Increase
+0pp
Price Impact
+0%
+$0
Real-World Price Impact
Before Tariffs
$5.4
1 bushel corn
After Tariffs
$5.4
1 bushel corn
That's $0 more per unit — a 0% price increase paid by the American buyer.
Note: Price estimates assume full tariff pass-through to consumers. Actual retail prices may vary — manufacturers may absorb some costs, shift production, or adjust margins.
The Story Behind This Tariff
Corn, like soybeans, faces zero US import tariffs because America is the world's dominant corn producer and exporter. The US grows 32% of global corn output, with Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska forming the heart of the Corn Belt. However, corn is caught in the crossfire of retaliatory tariffs: China, Mexico, and the EU have all imposed or threatened duties on US corn exports. China's retaliatory tariff hit ethanol exports hardest, while Mexico's threats target the 18 million metric tons it imports annually from the US — making Mexico the largest US corn customer. The corn story extends beyond direct trade: corn-derived products (ethanol, corn syrup, animal feed) create a $90B domestic industry. Retaliatory tariffs that reduce export demand depress farmgate prices, hurting 300,000 corn farms. Unlike manufactured goods, corn can't be easily redirected to new markets — logistics and trade agreements determine which buyers are accessible.
📦 Supply Chain
Primary Origin
US
Made in USA
100%
Import Volume
N/A (net exporter)
Alternatives
N/A — US is world's largest producer
📅 Tariff Timeline
2018
China retaliates with 25% tariff on US corn/ethanol
25% (Chinese tariff)2020
Phase One deal includes corn purchase commitments
25% (waived)2025
Mexico threatens retaliatory tariffs on US corn
0% (US) / threatened (MX)2026
EU retaliatory tariff on US agricultural products including corn
25% (EU)👥 Consumer Impact
Households Affected
2.5M (farm households)
Annual Cost Per Household
$2,800 (lost export revenue)
💡 Did You Know?
- •The US produces 32% of the world's corn — more than the next four countries combined
- •Mexico imports 18 million metric tons of US corn annually — a retaliatory tariff would devastate both countries' food systems
- •40% of US corn goes to ethanol production, meaning fuel prices are indirectly linked to corn trade policy
Tariff Details
- HTS Code
- 1005.90
- Current Rate
- 0%
- Pre-2025 Rate
- 0%
- Tariff Type
- None (US exporter)
Legal Authority
None (US exporter)
Effective: 2025
Tariff imposed under presidential trade authority
The tariff on Corn is paid by the American importer at the port of entry and passed through to consumers as higher retail prices. The foreign manufacturer does not pay the tariff.
Who Actually Pays This Tariff?
Despite claims that tariffs are paid by foreign countries, the 0% tariff on Corn is paid by American importers — US companies that purchase these goods from abroad. The cost is then passed to American consumers through higher retail prices.
- ✓ The foreign seller receives the same price as before
- ✓ The US importer pays 0% of the customs value to CBP
- ✓ The retailer marks up the higher landed cost
- ✓ You pay more at the register: $5.4 → $5.4
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