Maize flour and cereals market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The maize flour and cereals market in China saw its volume reach 13.9 million tons in 2019 before contracting to 12.6 million tons in 2020. This decline occurred as the industry faced challenges related to low deep-processing levels and product homogeneity, which prompted a shift toward healthier whole-grain and upgraded product lines. During this period, the market value also fell to $11.3 billion, reflecting the overall reduction in output.

From 2021, market volume recovered to around 13.3 million tons, while value surged dramatically to $18.1 billion by 2023. This growth was driven by the rapid extension of the deep-processing chain and a strategic focus on high-value-added products like fermented goods and starch sugars, which increased revenue per ton. Rising demand from the beverage, food, and confectionery sectors for starch-based sweeteners further supported consumption. The development of corn starch futures and options markets provided processors with better tools to manage raw material price volatility, contributing to industry stability.

Government policies played a consistent role, with measures such as minimum purchase prices and grain reserve expansions ensuring stable raw material supplies. By 2024, increased domestic corn production and significantly reduced imports led to lower input prices. Consumer health awareness continued to steer product portfolios toward more nutritious and diversified offerings, reinforcing the premiumization trend within the market.

Production maize flour and cereals in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, China ranked as the third-largest producer of maize flour and cereals from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of maize flour and cereals, 2017-2020

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

China's production of maize flour and cereals declined after two years of growth. In 2020, output reached 12 547 K t, marking a 9.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 4.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 13 850 K t, while the largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2018 at 4.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

China's maize flour and cereals production value declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 11 274 M $ US, representing a 3.8% drop from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, overall production value increased by 13%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%. The peak value was observed in 2018 at 12 793 M $ US. The most significant decrease happened in 2019 at 8.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 28.2%.

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

Exports maize flour and cereals from China

Exports in kind, t

China's exports of maize flour and cereals grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 2 073 t, reflecting an 8.3% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 20.5%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 6.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 366 t, which also saw the largest decline of 20.6%. The most substantial increase occurred in 2019 at 40.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea, Australia, and Japan were the key export partners for China's maize flour and cereals in volume terms. South Korea accounted for 43.5% of exports, Australia for 15.8%, and Japan for 13.2%. Together, these three countries represented 72.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

China's maize flour and cereals export value increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 862 K $ US, showing a 15.0% rise over the past year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 42.4%, with an average annual increase of 12.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 275 K $ US, which also experienced a decline of 2.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 27.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three main markets—South Korea, Australia, and Japan—collectively accounted for 76.3% of the total export value of maize flour and cereals from China.

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

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

Imports maize flour and cereals to China

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, China's imports of maize flour and cereals declined. In 2020, imports stood at 34 196 t, indicating a sharp decrease of 23.8% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 2.1%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 0.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 44 860 t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 24.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand was the primary source of maize flour and cereals imports to China, accounting for 93.7% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of growth, China's import value of maize flour and cereals fell. In 2020, imports totaled 37 787 K $ US, representing a significant decline of 16.9% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 15.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 45 465 K $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 24.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Thailand dominated China's maize flour and cereals imports in value terms, absorbing 95.8% of the total.

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

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