Maize flour and cereals market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The maize flour and cereals market in Central Asia expanded from 327.0 thousand tons in 2018 to 477.7 thousand tons in 2023. This growth was initiated by the transition to a market economy and the dissolution of state monopolies, which attracted private ownership and foreign investment. Subsequently, the diversification of maize varieties improved product quality and availability, while increasing consumer preference for gluten-free diets boosted demand.

Technological advancements played a key role, with the introduction of high-tech processing equipment enhancing production efficiency and output. Scientific research into drought-resistant and bio-ecological traits further supported yield improvements and the development of optimized cultivars. The expansion of automation and high technologies continued to drive down costs and raise quality standards.

Market accessibility improved through the establishment of reliable distributors and sellers, facilitating wider product distribution. The growth of online retail and digital marketing channels expanded consumer reach. Regional production increases in Kazakhstan, coupled with expanded export opportunities, contributed to the overall market expansion.

Production maize flour and cereals in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize flour and cereals, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize flour and cereals, 2017-2020

Central Asia's production of maize flour and cereals grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 371.0 K t, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 10.0%. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 5.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 319.7 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 8.9% that year.

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

Exports maize flour and cereals from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

The export market for maize flour and cereals from Central Asia experienced significant fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 37 t, representing a sharp decline of 94.2% from the previous year. In contrast, the peak occurred in 2019 with 644 t, which was an 816.9% increase from the prior year. The gap between these years was substantial, with 2019 exports being 17 times higher than in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine and Russia were the primary destinations for Central Asia's maize flour and cereals exports in volume terms, together accounting for 38.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms showed volatility over the observed period. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 11 K $ US, reflecting a sudden year-over-year decline of 94.5%. Conversely, the highest value was in 2019 at 199 K $ US, which marked a 242.3% increase from the previous year. The peak-to-trough ratio was 18 times, highlighting the market's instability.

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

During 2017–2020, Ukraine and Russia were key players in Central Asia's maize flour and cereals exports in value terms, jointly representing 43.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports maize flour and cereals to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

Maize flour and cereals imports into Central Asia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 10 762 t, showing a strong growth of 35.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 82%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 22.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia dominated maize flour and cereals imports into Central Asia in volume terms, holding 89.2% of total import flows. Other countries each accounted for significantly smaller shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of maize flour and cereals into Central Asia grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, Central Asia imported 3 647 K $ US worth of maize flour and cereals, up by 40.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 99.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.8%.

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

In 2017–2020, the import market in value terms was characterized by Russia's strong dominance, with its share reaching 88.5% of total flows. Other trading partners held relatively minor shares.

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

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