Abstract
South America plays an important role as a global grain producing region, with corn being the main crop. According to data for 2022, corn production will be 183 million tonnes (Mt), making it the largest grain production in all of South America. Grain production in South America is mainly carried out in countries such as Brazil and Argentina, and much of it is for export. Although some wood is consumed as food, most is used as animal feed or as a raw material for bioethanol. Export volumes are growing steadily, with demand especially strong to Asia and Europe. South America has favorable climate and soil conditions, as well as high crop productivity, and is predicted to continue to be an important supplier to the grain market.
Production(production (production volume))
Grain production in South America has experienced significant growth between 1961 and 2022. Corn production in particular is significant, peaking at 183 million tons (Mt) in 2022. During this period, corn became one of the most important crops in South America, and production increased significantly, especially in Brazil and Argentina. Since the 1990s, production volumes have grown rapidly due to technological innovation, the commercialization of agriculture, and the expansion of land use. In addition, demand for corn is increasing not only as a food source but also as an animal feed and raw material for bioethanol, leading to an increase in the volume supplied for export. This trend suggests that South America will continue to play an important role in global grain markets in the future.
The maximum is the latest one, 183Mt of Corn
Production (food)
South American cereal production for food purposes has increased gradually from 1961 to 2021. Wheat production in particular is noteworthy, peaking at 26.2 million tonnes (Mt) in 2021. During this period, wheat production expanded steadily in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and elsewhere to meet the demand for food supplies. In Brazil in particular, the increase in production volume is due to the expansion of cultivated area and technological innovation to improve yields. South America is also an important exporter of wheat, supplying neighboring South American countries, the Middle East, and Africa. As a result, food production plays a major role not only for domestic consumption but also for export. It is predicted that stable production and exports will continue in the future.
The maximum is the latest one, 26.2Mt of Wheat
Import and export (exports)
South America’s grain exports, based on 1961 data, were led by corn at 82.3 million tonnes (Mt), with total exports reaching 105 million Mt. During this period, South America established itself as a major grain exporter, with corn in particular becoming a significant export commodity. While average export volumes remain at 15 million tonnes, peak export volumes have been driven by rising demand on the global market and improved productivity in production centres such as Brazil and Argentina. These countries have expanded their grain exports due to innovations in agricultural technology, expanded land use, and developments in transportation infrastructure. Corn in particular plays an important role in South America’s economy, with increasing exports to Asian and European markets.
The maximum is the latest one, 90.1Mt of Corn
Animal (feed)
Its use as animal feed in South American grain production is prominent, especially for corn. According to data from 1961, the production of corn for animal feed was 90.1 million tonnes (Mt), which was the peak value and remains the largest today. This trend is because agriculture in South America is closely linked to commercial livestock farming. Large-scale livestock farming is thriving in Brazil and Argentina, where corn is in high demand as feed and is an essential resource for raising livestock. Additionally, the increase in corn production for animal feed is not only impacting domestic consumption but also the export market, increasing supplies to countries with high feed demand. Thus, corn plays an important role not only as food but also as animal feed, making it an important part of South America’s agricultural economy.
The maximum is the latest one, 90.1Mt of Corn
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