Maize flour and cereals market in Azerbaijan

Earlier Report Observations

The maize flour and cereals market in Azerbaijan expanded significantly from 2018 to 2019, with volume growing from 117.5 thousand tons to 146.1 thousand tons. This surge was driven by state-led initiatives to develop the grain sector, including the expansion of corn cultivation areas and the establishment of large agricultural enterprises such as the AzAqroTaxıl farm. Concurrently, rising demand for grain products stimulated production, supported by the introduction of new crop varieties and technologies aimed at boosting yields.

Market volume contracted to 120.1 thousand tons by 2021, influenced by external shocks and internal pressures. The Russia-Ukraine conflict triggered a sharp increase in global grain prices, raising import costs and reducing the affordability of corn-based products in Azerbaijan. Domestic inflation, fueled by higher producer prices and household consumption, further dampened demand, while ongoing regulatory measures to control flour and cereal prices affected supply conditions.

Recovery began in 2022, with the market reaching 141.5 thousand tons in 2023. This rebound was supported by key players like Dəvəçi-Taxıl LLC and shifting consumer preferences toward healthier diets, which increased demand for whole-grain products. Continued adoption of improved corn varieties and gene pool development in agriculture helped sustain production growth, reinforcing the market's upward trajectory through 2023.

Production maize flour and cereals in Azerbaijan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of maize flour and cereals, 2018-2021

World map of production of maize flour and cereals, 2018-2021

Azerbaijan's production of maize flour and cereals declined for the second year in a row. In 2019, output reached its peak at 142.6 thousand tons, with a significant 24.5% increase that year. However, by 2021, production had fallen to 116.7 thousand tons, marking a 13.6% year-on-year decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports maize flour and cereals from Azerbaijan

Exports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports peaked in 2019, then dropped to their lowest point in 2021—a dramatic 350-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Azerbaijan exported just 0.2 tons of maize flour and cereals, which represents a sharp 181.1% increase compared to 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Iraq dominated Azerbaijan's maize flour and cereals exports in kind, accounting for 99.8% of the total volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout this timeframe. Export values hit their highest point in 2019, then fell to the lowest in 2021—a 29-fold gap. In 2021, the value of maize flour and cereals leaving Azerbaijan was 1 thousand US dollars, which is 206.3% higher than the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Iraq consistently led Azerbaijan's maize flour and cereals exports in value terms, making up 97.4% of the total.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021

Imports maize flour and cereals to Azerbaijan

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Azerbaijan's imports of maize flour and cereals totaled 3 347 tons, a 24.2% year-on-year increase. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 2 694 tons, while the highest was in 2019 at 3 622 tons, with a 25.6% decline in 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 12.9%, averaging a 4.1% annualized rate.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Russia and Ukraine were the main suppliers of maize flour and cereals to Azerbaijan in kind, together representing 92.8% of total imports, with other countries accounting for the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, foreign supplies of maize flour and cereals to Azerbaijan reached 1 127 thousand US dollars, an 18.9% year-on-year rise. The minimum value was in 2020 at 948 thousand US dollars, and the maximum was in 2019 at 1 302 thousand US dollars, with a 27.1% drop in 2020 and a 26.3% increase in 2019. Overall, from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 9.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey formed the core group for Azerbaijan's maize flour and cereals imports in value terms. Russia accounted for 50.7%, Ukraine for 23.4%, and Turkey for 22.5%, together making up 96.6% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021