Maize bran, sharps and residues market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market volume for maize bran, sharps and residues fluctuated, peaking at 1 455 thousand tonnes in 2021. The initial growth was driven by the expansion of corn-based ethanol production in Brazil, which increased the output of processing by-products, alongside rising domestic demand from the poultry and swine sectors. Adverse weather conditions in 2020, including droughts and excessive rains, reduced corn yields and temporarily constrained supply, causing the market volume to dip to 1 379 thousand tonnes. Recovery followed in 2021 as storage capacity increased and greater adoption of agricultural technologies improved production efficiency.

From 2022 onward, the market volume fell sharply, reaching 864 thousand tonnes in 2023. This decline occurred despite a record corn harvest in the 2022/23 season, which boosted the supply of milling residues. The drop was primarily due to rising international demand for corn and its derivatives, coupled with the expanding use of corn for ethanol production, which led to a significant increase in exports of bran and residues. Consequently, a larger share of production was directed overseas, reducing domestic availability in South America.

Production maize bran, sharps and residues in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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, maize bran, sharps, and residues production in South America declined. In 2020, production reached 1 490 K t, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 12.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 498 K t, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 7.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year rise, South America's maize bran, sharps, and residues production value declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 296.8 M $ US, reflecting a gradual year-on-year decrease of 5.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 11.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 314.1 M $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 13.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports maize bran, sharps and residues from South America

Exports in kind, K t

Exported volumes of maize bran, sharps, and residues from South America increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, South America exported 170.7 K t, marking a steep improvement of 57.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 318.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 61.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, maize bran, sharps, and residues from South America were supplied to many different markets. Even the largest destinations—Vietnam, Turkey, and the United Kingdom—together accounted for only 38.7% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of maize bran, sharps, and residues exports from South America increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 34 013 K $ US, representing a dramatic rise of 49.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, export value grew by 313.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 60.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Turkey (17.8% of exports), Vietnam (14.7%), and the United Kingdom (5.9%) jointly accounted for just 38.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports maize bran, sharps and residues to South America

Imports in kind, K t

South America's import volume of maize bran, sharps, and residues increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 59.6 K t, showing a limited increase of 10.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 93.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

During 2017–2020, the United States was the leading supplier of maize bran, sharps, and residues to South America, accounting for 10.8% of total imports in volume terms.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

South America's import value of maize bran, sharps, and residues increased in 2020, reaching 16 030 K $ US, which represents a robust rise of 17.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 42.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 16 298 K $ US, with the largest annual increase of 44.6% in that year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 16.2%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States held the largest share in import value terms, accounting for 30.2% of total flows.

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

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