Since the commercialization of genetically modified (GM) crops in 1996, their industrial applications have developed rapidly in worldwide with increasing planting area and crop types, which have significant economic and social benefits. This paper analyzed the global situation of GM crops cultivation in 2022, and the development trends of major countries and regions planting GM crops. In 2022, the planting area of GM crops accounted for about 12% of the total arable land area with an increase of 3.3%. The number of the countries approved to cultivate GM crops increased to 29, and 71 countries and regions approved the commercial application of GM products. Based on the planting area of GM crops, the GM corn and soybean were dominant, and the planting area of the GM crops with multiple traits was also constantly expanding. The industrial applications of GM crops will become new growth driver for agricultural production and economic development, and the applications and effects of GM crops will continuously increase with the iterative upgrading of bioengineering breeding technologies.