In 2024, the U.S. sweet corn sector experienced a decline in production, acreage, and overall crop value. According to the USDA, total production dropped by 14% to 52.7 million hundredweight (cwt), driven by reduced planting and harvesting activity. Planted acreage fell by 7% to 342,800 acres (approximately 138,700 hectares), while the harvested area decreased by 6% to 336,400 acres (around 136,100 hectares). These declines are likely due to grower caution, adverse weather conditions, and a shift toward more profitable crops. The total crop value declined to $895 million, representing a 7% drop from 2023.
Of the 52.4 million cwt of sweet corn utilized, 14.9 million cwt was sold on the fresh market, while 1.87 million tons were used for processing. This demonstrates sweet corn's importance in both fresh consumption and processed food markets, even amid lower production.
Despite reduced output, prices have remained stable. As of March 31, 2025, the Expana Benchmark Price for IQF Yellow Sweet Corn was $1.32/kg (equivalent to $0.60/lb), unchanged from the previous month. Market activity remained quiet, with low trading volumes and minimal price fluctuations for both white and yellow sweet corn.
Source: Mintec/Expana