In August 2025, U.S. Corn Syrup prices extended July’s decline, pressured by high inventories, weaker feedstock costs, and soft downstream demand. Sentiment worsened after President Trump urged a shift away from Corn Syrup under his “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, while Coca-Cola confirmed plans to introduce a cane sugar–based soft drink. Abundant supply and muted exports reinforced price weakness. Experts expect Corn Syrup prices to fall further in late August as new crop arrivals, improved production, and strong freight flows increase availability.
According to ChemAnalyst, Corn Syrup prices in the US market continued to decline in the first half of August 2025, after the weakness seen in July. The decline has been attributed to high inventory levels, falling feedstock costs, and waning downstream demand. The situation got worse after President Trump said he wants to move away from Corn Syrup, as part of his “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. Trump called cane sugar a “better product” than high-fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) and asked consumers and industry to reconsider their sweetener options.
This statement sent shockwaves across the food and beverage industry. Coca-Cola announced on July 22 that it will launch a new version of its flagship soft drink made with cane sugar later this year, which could mean a change in procurement strategy across the beverage sector. Market participants said such announcements have pressured Corn Syrup demand, especially from soft drink and processed food manufacturers, which are its biggest downstream consumers. With sentiment already weak, this high-profile move away from Corn Syrup is expected to further impact its market fundamentals.
By July 2025, the price of Corn Syrup was already plunging throughout the U.S., driven by ample stocks and low demand to purchase. High stock holdings caused buyers to postpone new purchases, entrenching the oversupply scenario. The falling prices of one of the essential feedstocks, Corn Starch, lowered production costs further, enabling the manufacturers to offer lower prices of Corn Syrup to stay competitive. There was also a sharp decline in international sales, as the extent of uncertainty towards the U.S. trade policies and tariff systems put additional stress on export opportunities. The manufacturers reacted by reducing production and using aggressive pricing as a strategy to clear over-capacity, but this did little to balance the market.
Supply and logistics were smooth, with no major disruptions at production or distribution hubs. This efficiency ensured steady availability of Corn Syrup across regions, though it also contributed to downward price pressure given the lack of corresponding demand strength. The supply and demand imbalance extended the bearish tone into July and early August.
Corn Syrup Demand forecasts remained soft during this time. Food processing plants also cut their purchase as consumers showed a preference for other sweeteners. The beverage industry, which has experienced oversight and concerns over its impact on public health, reduced orders, and global policies were politically hampered, leading to the withdrawal of international buyers. Domestic demand, previously stable, particularly in the realm of core applications, was not adequate to counter the sharp drop in foreign orders. This continued decline of stagnant local consumption and weaker exportation fortified the price demotion, with the buyers of Corn Syrup limitedly depending on the present inventory instead of entering into fresh agreements.
According to market experts, prices are expected to continue to fall in the US in the second half of August. Fresh corn will add to the supply, ease the raw material cost, and production will improve at major facilities. Under this scenario, Corn Syrup will continue to trend down, bearish for the rest of the month.
