Maize flour and cereals market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, Estonia's maize flour and cereals market volume shrank by nearly two-thirds, from 10 084 t to 3 652 t. This contraction coincided with a steady rise in exports, which more than doubled, and a halving of imports, reducing net availability on the domestic market.

The downward trend continued in 2022, with volume dipping to 2 669 t. However, 2023 saw a sharp reversal as market volume jumped 70% to 4 531 t. This turnaround was underpinned by a surge in domestic production to 12 123 t, fueled by increasing consumer preference for gluten-free, organic, and innovatively flavored maize flour products. While exports remained high, the expansion in output more than compensated for outbound shipments.

External factors began to influence the supply side in 2024, as unusually hot and humid weather across Europe contributed to a poor cereal harvest in Estonia, marking a 10-year low. EU income compensation measures were activated in response. Throughout the period, health-conscious and sustainability-driven consumer behavior remained a persistent theme shaping product offerings and demand.

Production maize flour and cereals in Estonia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of maize flour and cereals, 2018-2021

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

Maize flour and cereals production in Estonia has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Estonia produced 8 750 tonnes of maize flour and cereals, showing minimal change compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 12.4%, which translates to an annualized decline of 4.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 8 350 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 16.4%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the biggest increase at 4.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Estonia's maize flour and cereals production has rebounded. In 2021, the output was valued at 2 394 thousand US dollars, marking a significant increase of 10.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 10.6%, averaging an annual decline of 3.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 2 158 thousand US dollars, with the largest drop occurring in 2019 at 15.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports maize flour and cereals from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes varied significantly, with a two-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2020. In 2021, Estonia exported 6 539 tonnes of maize flour and cereals, which represents a 2.4% decrease from the previous year. The peak export volume was recorded in 2020 at 6 700 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 70.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Latvia and Lithuania were the dominant buyers of maize flour and cereals from Estonia, together accounting for 98.1% of total exports in volume. Other destinations each held relatively small shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of maize flour and cereals from Estonia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 1 789 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 7.7% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 99.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Latvia and Lithuania remained the primary markets for exports in value terms, jointly representing 97.3% of total flows. Other partners accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Imports maize flour and cereals to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

Estonia's volume of maize flour and cereals imports has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 1 441 tonnes, marking a sharp drop of 49.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 58.1%, with a compound annual decline rate of 25.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Latvia was the primary source for imports in volume, accounting for 83.0% of total flows. Other markets formed a long tail of smaller partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign supplies of maize flour and cereals to Estonia have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports were valued at 584 thousand US dollars, representing a 12.9% reduction year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 48.2%, equating to an annualized decline of 19.7%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Latvia (61.0% of imports in value terms), Finland (17.5%), and Europe, not elsewhere specified (7.0%) remained the key sources for imports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 85.6% of total flows.

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

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