HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1005.90 – Cereals; maize (corn), other than seed
HS code 1005.90 is the 6-digit subheading for cereals, maize (corn), other than seed. It is used for yellow dent corn, white corn, feed corn, industrial corn and popcorn kernels (unpopped).
What HS 1005.90 covers
This category encompasses maize (corn) that is not intended for planting, making it one of the most significant and widely traded agricultural commodities globally. It includes yellow corn, white corn, and other varieties used primarily for animal feed, industrial processing (e.g., ethanol, starch, sweeteners), and human consumption (e.g., cornmeal, grits). Major exporters are typically large agricultural producers like the United States, Brazil, Argentina, and Ukraine, benefiting from vast arable land and efficient logistics. Importers span nearly every country, driven by demand from livestock industries, food and beverage manufacturers, and biofuel producers. Key factors influencing this trade include global supply and demand dynamics, weather patterns affecting harvests, geopolitical events, and freight costs. Quality parameters such as moisture content, foreign matter, and mycotoxin levels are critical for international transactions, ensuring the corn meets the standards for its intended end-use.
- Covers
- Yellow dent corn
- White corn
- Feed corn
- Industrial corn
- Popcorn kernels (unpopped)
- Corn grits
- Cornmeal
- Examples
- Cargill Corn
- ADM Corn
- Bunge Corn
- Louis Dreyfus Corn
Codes often confused with 1005.90
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 100510 (Maize, seed) if the corn's purpose isn't explicitly stated, leading to incorrect duties and regulations. It's also distinct from processed corn products like canned corn or corn flakes, which fall under different chapters.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 100590, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 100590 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 9.0% of world imports. Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $18.6B 42% of world exports
- 2 Brazil $8.5B 19% of world exports
- 3 Argentina $5.9B 13% of world exports
World total: $44.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $4.0B 9.0% of world imports
- 2 Egypt $2.9B 6.6% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $2.8B 6.3% of world imports
Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $44.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 1005.90 2
Brazil splits HS 1005.90 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 1005.90.10 Maize (corn) in grain, not for sowingEm grão
- 1005.90.90 Other maize (corn), not for sowingOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 10.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1005.90
What is HS code 100590?
HS code 100590 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cereals; maize (corn), other than seed. This category encompasses maize (corn) that is not intended for planting, making it one of the most significant and widely traded agricultural commodities globally. It includes yellow corn, white corn, and other varieties used primarily for animal feed, industrial processing (e.g., ethanol, starch, sweeteners), and human consumption (e.g., cornmeal, grits). Major exporters are typically large agricultural producers like the United States, Brazil, Argentina, and Ukraine, benefiting from vast arable land and efficient logistics. Importers span nearly every country, driven by demand from livestock industries, food and beverage manufacturers, and biofuel producers. Key factors influencing this trade include global supply and demand dynamics, weather patterns affecting harvests, geopolitical events, and freight costs. Quality parameters such as moisture content, foreign matter, and mycotoxin levels are critical for international transactions, ensuring the corn meets the standards for its intended end-use.
What products fall under HS code 100590?
Yellow dent corn, White corn, Feed corn, Industrial corn, Popcorn kernels (unpopped), Corn grits, Cornmeal
What are common misclassifications for HS code 100590?
This code is frequently confused with 100510 (Maize, seed) if the corn's purpose isn't explicitly stated, leading to incorrect duties and regulations. It's also distinct from processed corn products like canned corn or corn flakes, which fall under different chapters.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 100590?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 100590 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($18.6B, 42% of world exports), Brazil ($8.5B) and Argentina ($5.9B). World exports came to about $44.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 100590?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 100590 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($4.0B, 9.0% of world imports), Egypt ($2.9B) and South Korea ($2.8B). World imports came to about $44.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $3.3B of its heading 1005 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 100590 structured?
HS code 100590 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (10) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 100590?
Brazil splits HS code 100590 into 2 NCM codes: 1005.90.10 (Maize (corn) in grain, not for sowing), 1005.90.90 (Other maize (corn), not for sowing). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.