Maize (corn) (heading 1005): importing markets
HS heading 1005 covers maize (corn), within Chapter 10 on cereals, and has two subheadings. Mexico, Japan and China lead world imports, with Mexico above…
Published on 26 October 2026Updated on 26 October 2026
HS heading 1005 covers maize (corn), within Chapter 10 on cereals, and has two subheadings. Mexico, Japan and China lead world imports, with Mexico above 5.7 billion USD in 2025 according to UN Comtrade. For a company exporting from Spain, the right market depends on the subheading, the applicable duty and the phytosanitary requirements.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 26 October 2026
Fact sheet
- Code
- 1005
- Chapter
- 10 · Cereals
- Subheadings
- 2
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 5,703,709,297 |
| Japan | 4,010,079,202 |
| China | 3,758,781,558 |
| Egypt | 2,916,177,078 |
| South Korea | 2,807,061,320 |
| Spain | 2,224,487,641 |
| Italy | 1,951,961,309 |
| Colombia | 1,819,944,671 |
| Saudi Arabia | 1,387,786,391 |
| Netherlands | 1,355,937,897 |
| Türkiye | 1,288,074,480 |
| Algeria | 1,193,810,076 |
| Malaysia | 1,073,219,681 |
| Peru | 1,000,680,604 |
| Morocco | 831,431,383 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 26 October 2026
What to know before exporting maize
Heading 1005 splits into two subheadings: maize for sowing (seed) and other maize. Which one applies determines the full classification code, the duty and the documents required, so the first step is to classify the goods to the full code of the destination country.
The import table shows a very concentrated demand. Mexico, Japan, China, Egypt and South Korea are the five largest importers by value, and Spain itself appears among the top six. Countries report with a delay, so the ranking reflects the latest year with consolidated data and can change from one year to the next.
Import value is not the same as opportunity for an exporter based in Spain. A large importer may be supplied mainly by neighbouring or very large producers, and the price competitiveness of a Spanish shipper depends on freight, origin and the destination's rules. Check trade flows by origin in UN Comtrade or ITC Trade Map before prioritising a market.
The duty for a Spanish exporter depends on the destination, the full subheading and any trade agreement in force between the European Union and that country. It is consulted for each market and code in Access2Markets, which also lists the import requirements and procedures.
Maize is a plant product, so the destination usually sets phytosanitary conditions, and many markets also set rules on the genetic modification status of the grain. These requirements vary by country and change over time. Confirm them with the plant health authority of the destination and with the Spanish export phytosanitary services before quoting.
Frequently asked questions
What is HS code 1005?
HS 1005 is the Harmonized System heading for maize (corn), classified in Chapter 10, cereals. It has two subheadings at six-digit level. National tariffs add further digits, so the code used at customs in each country can be longer.
Which countries import the most maize?
According to UN Comtrade data for 2025, the largest importers by declared value are Mexico, Japan, China, Egypt and South Korea. Mexico leads with more than 5.7 billion USD. Countries report with a delay, so the ranking can be revised.
What duty applies when exporting maize from Spain?
It depends on the destination country, the full subheading and whether the European Union has a trade agreement with that country. There is no single rate. It is looked up for each market and code in Access2Markets, the European Commission tool for exporters.
Do I need a phytosanitary certificate to export maize?
It depends on the destination. Many countries require plant health documentation for cereals, but conditions differ by market and by use of the grain, for example seed or feed. The importing country's requirements are listed in Access2Markets and confirmed with its plant health authority.
Is a large importing country the best market for a Spanish exporter?
Not necessarily. Import volume shows demand, not how open the market is to Spanish supply. Compare who currently supplies that market, the freight cost and the duty and requirements that apply to goods from the European Union before choosing.
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