In December 2024, corn imports to China amounted to 93.4 million U.S. dollars. This indicated an increase compared to the import value in the previous month.

United States Exports of corn (maize) to China was US$330.93 Million during 2024, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. United States Exports of corn (maize) to China - data, historical chart and statistics - was last updated on March of 2025.

In 2024, China imported approximately 50 million metric tons of cereal grains and flour. Barley imports amounted to around 14.24 million metric tons that year.

China Wholesale Price: Corn data was reported at 2.180 RMB/kg in 26 Feb 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 2.140 RMB/kg for 12 Feb 2025. China Wholesale Price: Corn data is updated daily, averaging 2.360 RMB/kg from Jan 2009 (Median) to 26 Feb 2025, with 805 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.000 RMB/kg in 07 Dec 2022 and a record low of 1.500 RMB/kg in 18 Feb 2009. China Wholesale Price: Corn data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Development and Reform Commission. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table CN.RID: Livestock Breeding Condition.

The global corn export market was dominated by a handful of countries, with the United States in the lead. In the 2024/25 marketing year, the U.S. was expected to export about 62.5 million metric tons of corn, accounting for about a quarter of total corn exports worldwide. Other major producers include Brazil, Argentina, and Ukraine Global supply and demand Beyond its role as a global food source, corn serves as a versatile raw material for diverse industries. Its applications range from animal feed and ethanol production to the manufacturing of sweeteners, starches, cereals, beverages, and seeds. Worldwide corn production in 2022/23 reached over 1.15 billion metric tons and was forecasted to slightly increase in 2023/24. This massive production is met with equally substantial demand, as global corn consumption is forecasted to reach nearly 50 billion bushels in 2023/24.

U.S. dominance The United States produced nearly a third of the world's corn in 2023/24. The Corn Belt, a region in the U.S. Midwest, is the primary source of this production. Corn has been the dominant crop in this area since the 1850. The United States is expected to be the world's largest corn producer in 2023/2024, producing just under 390 million metric tons. While China and Brazil are the second and third largest producers, respectively

In 2023, Brazil was the largest supplier of grains to China, accounting for approximately 19.7 percent of the total Chinese grain import value. Brazil exported mainly corn, wheat, and barley to China, while China's neighboring countries supplied rice primarily.

In 2024/2025, it is expected that the United States will be the largest producer of corn worldwide with a production volume amounting to about 377.6 million metric tons. China and Brazil rounded off the top corn producing countries. Corn production Corn, also known as maize, is a grain plant cultivated for food. The origin of this grain remains unknown, however, many historians believe that corn was first domesticated in Mexico's Tehuacan Valley. Types of corn include sweet corn, popcorn, pod corn, flint corn, flour corn, waxy corn and dent corn. Corn is one of the most important crops in the United States. Over the last years, the country's corn farmers experienced constant increases in annual revenues. In 2022/23, the U.S. was responsible for almost one-third of the global corn production. Iowa and Illinois were the top U.S. states based on harvested area of corn for grain in 2023. That year, Iowa's corn for grain production value amounted to approximately 11.55 million acres. In 2022/23, the United States exported around 42.5 million metric tons of corn, making the nation the world's second largest corn exporter. Mexico and China were the leading buyers of U.S. corn in 2022, purchasing approximately 662 million bushels and 579 million bushels respectively.

Corn decreased 3.39 USd/BU or 0.74% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Corn - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on March of 2025.

In the 2024/2025 marketing year, the top consumers of wheat globally were China, India, and the European Union. China consumed about 151 million metric tons of wheat that year. Wheat consumption worldwide is slowly increasing, growing by about eight percent since 2018/2019. Wheat production and trade Not only do they consume the most wheat, but China, the EU, and India are also the leading producers of wheat worldwide. Chine led global production, with about 136.6 million metric tons in 2023/24. Despite being a top producer, China also imports a great deal of wheat. In 2022, China imported about 3.8 billion U.S. dollars’ worth of wheat. Egypt has been one of the leading importer of wheat worldwide for the last several years. Wheat price Prices around the world have risen as of 2022. Many believe that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is to blame for the rising wheat prices and others believe it is the speculation of an impending food crisis that is driving up demand. The price of the most common variety of wheat grown in the U.S., hard red winter wheat, reached an all-time high in May 2022, reaching over 522 dollars per metric ton. Globally, the real household income is expected to decline by about 1.57 percent due to the increased cost of wheat and corn. Some countries will experience a decline of over five percent, showing the real impact that growing prices have on consumers across the world.

Soybeans increased 7.06 USd/BU or 0.71% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Soybeans - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on March of 2025.

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Popcorn Market Size 2025-2029

The popcorn market size is forecast to increase by USD 5.51 billion, at a CAGR of 11.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is witnessing significant growth due to several key factors. Firstly, the increasing number of product launches is driving market growth. Secondly, the rise of online retailing is providing consumers with greater convenience and accessibility for consumers looking for a quick and healthy snack option. Additionally, fluctuating prices of corn, a primary ingredient in popcorn production, are impacting market dynamics. These trends are shaping the future of the popcorn industry, offering opportunities for new players and challenges for existing ones. As the market continues to evolve, staying informed about these developments is crucial for businesses looking to succeed.

What will be the Size of the Popcorn Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market within the global food and beverage industry is experiencing significant growth due to its status as a popular and versatile snack. Plant-based proteins, including popcorn, are gaining traction as consumers seek healthier alternatives to traditional protein sources. Popcorn comes in various flavors, from classic sea salt to exotic combinations, catering to diverse taste preferences. Ready-to-eat popcorn, particularly microwave popcorn, is a convenient option for consumers, contributing to its increasing popularity. Online platforms, e-commerce, shopping apps, and other digital marketplaces have made purchasing popcorn more accessible than ever. Popcorn is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, iron, calcium, copper, and magnesium.
These nutrients make popcorn an attractive choice for consumers seeking nutritious snack options. Instant food and ready-to-eat food categories have seen a rise in demand, with popcorn kernels and vegetable oil or butter often used as base ingredients for various dishes. The market continues to evolve, with innovations in production methods, flavor profiles, and packaging contributing to its ongoing success. Popcorn's versatility extends beyond the home, with its presence in multiplexes and theatres, making it a staple in the entertainment industry. Overall, the market is poised for continued growth, driven by consumer preferences for convenient, nutritious, and flavorful snack options.

How is this Popcorn Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The popcorn industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Ready-to-eat
  Microwave


End-user

  Household
  Commercial


Flavor

  Sweet
  Savory
  Salty
  Fusion
  Health-oriented


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy


  South America

    Brazil


  Middle East and Africa

By Product Insights

The ready-to-eat segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The ready-to-eat market in the US has experienced substantial growth due to increasing consumer preference for convenient and healthier snack alternatives. Ready-to-eat popcorn, recognized for its ease of consumption and diverse flavor offerings, has gained popularity among consumers seeking quick and delicious snacks. In February 2023, AMC Entertainment entered the RTE market with the launch of AMC Perfectly Popcorn. This new product line, available in hundreds of Walmart stores nationwide, underscores AMC's dedication to capturing consumer attention and boosting sales within the competitive snack food industry. The convenience of RTE popcorn, coupled with its clean-label ingredients and plant-based proteins, resonates with health-conscious consumers.

Popular flavors, such as Sea salt, Caramel, Cheese, Tandoori, and Tiramisu, cater to various taste preferences. Online platforms, including e-commerce sites and shopping apps, have facilitated the growth of the market, enabling consumers to order from the comfort of their homes during stay-at-home orders. Additionally, the availability of microwaveable popcorn, popcorn mix-ins like candy and dried cranberries, and clean-label products, further enhances the market's appeal. The snacking industry continues to evolve, with gourmet popcorn, all-natural flavors, and organic popcorn lines gaining traction. Key vitamins and minerals, such as folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamins B6, iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc, contribute to the health benefits of popcorn. The convenience food demand, d

In the 2023/2024 marketing year, rice imports to the Philippines amounted to about 5.4 million metric tons, making it the leading country for rice imports worldwide. China imported about two million metric tons of rice that same year. Total production of milled rice worldwide amounted to almost 532.9 million metric tons in 2024/25. Global grain production Rice is one of the most produced grains in the world, surpassed only by corn and wheat. The worldwide production of corn in 2023/24 is expected to be more than double the production of milled rice, exceeding 1.23 billion metric tons. Though not at the volume of corn, the production of milled rice has generally been increasing each year, reaching a peak of about 513 million metric tons in 2022/23. This is an increase of almost 15 percent compared to 2008/09. Rice Although rice is characterized as a single type of grain, there are actually over 40,000 varieties of rice, classified based on several characteristics such as size, starch content, and milling. Rice is found in many different cultures and cuisines, but China is the clear leader in consumption, followed by India and Bangladesh. Global rice consumption has grown and reached a peak of over 520.4 million metric tons in 2022/23.

This statistic shows the world's leading cotton producing countries in crop year 2022/2023. In that year, cotton production in China amounted to around 6.7 million metric tons.

Cotton production

Cotton is a natural plant fiber which grows around the seed of the cotton plant. Fibers are used in the textile industry, where they are the starting point of the production chain. First, the cotton fiber is obtained from the cotton plant and then spun into yarn. From there, the cotton yarn is woven or knitted into fabric.

The use of cotton has a long tradition in the clothing industry due to its desirable characteristics. Cloths made of this fiber are moisture-absorbent, have a good drape and are known for their long durability. Consumers continue to purchase large amounts of cotton products as they prefer cotton’s light and comfortable qualities. Products made out of cotton range from highly absorbent bath towels over bed linens to basic clothes such as t-shirts, underwear or socks.

The top cotton producing countries include China, India and the United States respectively. Within the United States, the Southern states traditionally harvest the largest quantities of cotton. This region was formerly known as the ‘Cotton Belt’, where cotton was the predominant cash crop from the 18th to the 20th century. Due to soil depletion and social and economic changes, cotton production has declined and acres in this region are now mainly used for crops such as corn, soybeans and wheat.