In 2025, grain imports reached record levels, especially for corn, canola, and soybeans. Soybeans are used in oil production and for livestock feed, which analysts say poses a significant food security challenge for the country.
According to information from the Agricultural Markets Consulting Group (GCMA), in the case of white corn alone, imports increased by 313% annually by the end of 2025, reaching 950,000 tons.
“The record grain imports confirm that Mexico is increasing its external dependence and has lost ground in food security, reinforcing the need for comprehensive policies that strengthen the productivity, competitiveness, and resilience of the national agri-food sector,” the GCMA stated in an analysis.
While no drastic increase in grain imports was reported for yellow corn, the upward trend continued, with a 1.1% growth, solidifying its position as the country’s most imported product, totaling 23.8 million tons for the year.
Canola imports increased by 27.3% in 2025, reaching approximately 1.4 million tons, while soybean meal imports rose by 13.6%.
According to Juan Carlos Anaya, director of the Agricultural Markets Consulting Group, the biggest challenge will be corn, as it is not only the main food staple but also remains highly dependent on the grain for industrial and livestock use.
“Mexico has solidified its position as the world’s largest importer of corn. In 2025, corn imports reached 24.76 million tons, the highest volume on record.
“Yellow corn continues to account for the majority of purchases, driven by growth in the livestock and industrial sectors, while white corn, although not reaching a record high, reached its highest level in the last five years, reflecting structural pressures in the domestic market,” the specialist explained.
Conversely, wheat, rice, and beans saw year-on-year contractions in grain imports. For example, bean imports, totaling 280,000 tons, registered a 31.7% reduction compared to 2024.
At the close of the production cycle, that is, in the first months of 2026, Mexico projects a corn production of 26 million tons, primarily white corn.
In contrast, the United States projects one of its Record production, especially in the area of corn imports. “The United States remains Mexico’s main supplier of grains and oilseeds, particularly corn, thanks to its structural logistical advantage stemming from its geographic proximity,” Anaya noted.
Source: am
