Maize flour and cereals market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The maize flour and cereals market in CIS saw steady expansion from 2018 to 2020, with volume rising to 1.4 million tons. This growth was fueled by the entry of new large-scale milling plants and a sustained focus on domestic consumption. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which reduced overall flour production, demand for maize-based products held firm as consumer preferences shifted toward semi-finished and ready-to-eat foods.

A temporary dip in market volume occurred in 2021, falling to 1.4 million tons, largely because a sharp increase in exports reduced domestic availability. Nevertheless, investment in production capacity continued with the launch of additional facilities. From 2022 onward, the market recovered robustly, reaching 1.6 million tons by 2023. This rebound was driven by further expansion of production infrastructure and persistent internal demand, even amid external headwinds such as trade sanctions and rising raw material costs.

By 2024, the market remained oriented toward domestic consumption, with ongoing development of specialized segments including organic and stone-ground maize flour.

Production maize flour and cereals in CIS

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

Maize flour and cereals production in the CIS has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 1 385 thousand tonnes, remaining relatively stable compared to the previous year.

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

Exports maize flour and cereals from CIS

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, foreign supplies of maize flour and cereals from the CIS have increased. In 2020, exports amounted to 18 016 tonnes, up 2.5% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 60.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 26.7%. The lowest level was recorded in 2019 at 17 585 tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 59.3% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Mongolia, and Georgia were the top destinations for exports in kind. Ukraine accounted for 18.6% of exports, Mongolia for 2.3%, and Georgia for 1.0%, together making up 21.9% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Maize flour and cereals export volume from the CIS has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 14 075 thousand US dollars, marking a significant increase of 18.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 36%, with an average annual decline of 13.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 11 273 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest drop of 48.7%.

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

The partner structure for exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented. Ukraine represented 16.7% of exports, Mongolia 2.7%, and Georgia 1.2%, together accounting for just 20.6% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Imports maize flour and cereals to CIS

Imports in kind, t

Maize flour and cereals import volume in the CIS has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 19 061 tonnes, up 6.8% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 22.9%, averaging an annual increase of 7.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the three largest markets for imports in kind were Ukraine, Romania, and the Netherlands, which together accounted for 18.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, maize flour and cereals imports into the CIS have increased. In 2020, imports were approximately 15 036 thousand US dollars, rising by 17.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 28%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 12 783 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 34.2% drop.

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

An analysis of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 shows a broad distribution across many markets. Ukraine accounted for 18.8% of imports, the Netherlands for 2.3%, and Romania for 2.1%, together making up only 23.1% of total flows, with the remaining 76.9% spread among other partners.

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

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