How a proposed ban on GMO corn in Mexico impacts Oklahoma farmers

Mexico is one of the largest buyers of corn grown in the United States, but now, the country is seeking to implement a trade ban on the U.S., which could significantly impact farmers in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma's corn industry

According to Oklahoma State University plant and soil sciences professor Josh Lofton, the U.S. primarily makes genetically modified corn, which means the proposed ban in Mexico would severely impact agriculture across the country.

Corn grown in Oklahoma typically stays domestic, with around 25% to 30% exported.

Most corn in Oklahoma is used for ethanol, starch and sweeteners, but also as livestock feed, which in turn can affect the price of meat.

What happens if a ban is put in place?

"Any sort of tariff with Mexico would not directly affect Oklahoma growers, but indirectly it is another issue completely because some of our biggest corn producing states do export their corn to Mexico," Lofton said. "So what you could potentially have is a saturated market."

Lofton says since Oklahoma farmers buy their seeds months in advance, if they have excess corn it could make the price for feed and meat decrease despite a tariff.

The proposed ban is part of an escalating trade war involving tariffs by the Trump administration, including 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports that went into effect Wednesday.