Maize bran, sharps and residues market in Malawi

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market for maize bran and residues in Malawi expanded overall, rising from 195 thousand tons to 223 thousand tons. This growth was supported by sustained government investment in agricultural input subsidies and the promotion of integrated soil fertility management, which increased maize production and the resulting residue supply. The continued subsidy programs and the emergence of farm diversification strategies further lifted the market volume in 2019. Although the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted supply chains and dampened industrial demand, causing a minor dip, the market rebounded in 2021 following the launch of the Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM) program, which helped commercialize maize output and boost residue availability.

The market volume dropped sharply to 194 thousand tons in 2022, primarily due to a reported slowdown in agricultural sector growth and the impact of climate variability, including uneven rainfall, which reduced maize yields and residue supply. Despite ongoing policy support, these factors led to a significant contraction. In 2023, the market showed a partial recovery to 201 thousand tons, indicating a stabilization after the previous year's climate-related and economic challenges.

Production maize bran, sharps and residues in Malawi

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Malawi consistently ranked 20th globally in the production of maize bran, sharps, and residues.

Top producers of maize bran, sharps and residues, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize bran, sharps and residues, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, Malawi's production of maize bran, sharps, and residues declined. In 2020, the country produced 214.1 thousand tons, marking a 2.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production rose by 14.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.7%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 218.7 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 11.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Malawi in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports maize bran, sharps and residues from Malawi

Exports in kind, t

Exports of maize bran, sharps, and residues from Malawi fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 60.0 tons, a sharp drop of 57.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports plummeted by 81.7%, translating to an annualized decline of 43.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Malawi in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Zimbabwe and South Africa were the main buyers of maize bran, sharps, and residues from Malawi, together accounting for 92.2% of total export volumes, with other countries making up the remainder.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Malawi in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

The value of exported maize bran, sharps, and residues from Malawi declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 3 315 US dollars, reflecting a steep 88.1% loss versus the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 95%, with an average annual decline of 63.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Malawi in value, 2017-2020, $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Zimbabwe and South Africa remained the key markets for Malawi's exports in value terms, jointly representing 97.9% of total flows, while other partners contributed the rest.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Malawi in value, 2017-2020

Imports maize bran, sharps and residues to Malawi

Imports in kind, t

The import market showed significant volatility during these years. Import levels varied widely, with a 6.2-fold difference between the low of 20.6 tons in 2018 and the high of 128.4 tons in 2020. In 2020, imports surged to 128.4 tons, a 176.1% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 73.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Malawi in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017-2020, Mozambique and Zambia dominated Malawi's imports of maize bran, sharps, and residues in volume terms, together making up 96.5% of total flows, with other markets forming a smaller share.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Malawi in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

The data indicates a volatile market environment with irregular changes. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 5 851 US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2017, showing a 2.4-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, imports of foreign maize bran, sharps, and residues into Malawi stood at 10 512 US dollars, up by 79.6% from the previous year. The largest decline was in 2019, with a 52.4% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Malawi in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, South Africa was the primary source for Malawi's imports in value terms, accounting for 86.5% of total flows, with other markets representing a smaller portion.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Malawi in value, 2017-2020