Maize flour and cereals market in India

Earlier Report Observations

The maize flour and cereals market in India began the period with strong production of around 9 million tonnes in 2018, supported by a government increase in the Minimum Support Price for maize that incentivized cultivation. Market volume then dipped to 8.6 million tonnes in 2019 before contracting sharply to 6 million tonnes in 2020, a year which also saw the state-owned company HAFED begin maize procurement in Haryana, marking greater state involvement.

After stabilizing around 6 million tonnes in 2021 and 2022, the market rebounded strongly in 2023, with production surging to 8.2 million tonnes and market volume reaching 8.1 million tonnes. This growth was propelled by rapid expansion in maize cultivation area and yield, underpinned by government policies, and was further supported by export authorizations for cereals which indirectly lifted demand. New food safety and labeling standards for maize flour products were also introduced by the national regulator.

In 2024, policy measures continued to shape the market, including a further increase in the Minimum Support Price for maize and a strong government push to boost ethanol production from corn, which diverted significant domestic output to distilleries. Authorities also considered lifting restrictions on genetically modified maize to address supply imbalances, while maize imports rose, reflecting ongoing market adjustments.

Production maize flour and cereals in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, India ranked as the 4th largest producer of maize flour and cereals during the period from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of maize flour and cereals, 2017-2020

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

India's production of maize flour and cereals fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 6 128 thousand tonnes, marking a significant year-over-year decline of 29.6%. Over the full period from 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 27.9%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 10.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 9 000 thousand tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 5.9% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of maize flour and cereals production in India stood at 2 929 million US dollars, down 25.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, the production value decreased by 19.8%, averaging an annual decline of 7.1%. The peak value was achieved in 2019 at 3 924 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 15.2%.

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

Exports maize flour and cereals from India

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, India exported 87.7 thousand tonnes of maize flour and cereals, representing a 6.2% increase from the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 4.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 82.6 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 108.5 thousand tonnes. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 23.9%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 29.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India's maize flour and cereals exports reached a diverse range of markets. The top three destinations—Saudi Arabia (11.9% of exports by volume), the United States (11.2%), and South Korea (8.8%)—collectively accounted for 31.9% of total exports. The remaining 68.1% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of India's maize flour and cereals exports amounted to 41 926 thousand US dollars, up 12.5% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 16.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 5.1%. The largest annual decline was in 2019 at 9.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 13.8%.

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

The market base for India's maize flour and cereals exports in value terms was broad from 2017 to 2020. The leading markets—the United States (17.8% of export value), Saudi Arabia (10.3%), and South Korea (7.2%)—together made up 35.3% of total exports. The remaining 64.7% was shared by a wide array of other countries.

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

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

Imports maize flour and cereals to India

Imports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports of maize flour and cereals into India reached 0.4 thousand tonnes in 2020, reflecting a substantial 92.9% increase from the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.2 thousand tonnes, while the peak was in 2018 at 0.9 thousand tonnes. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 77.5%. The span from 2018 to 2019 exhibited a peak-to-trough amplitude of 4.4 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (27.7% of import volume), China (25.9%), and Thailand (13.5%) consistently held the top positions in India's import structure for maize flour and cereals. Together, these three countries accounted for 67.0% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, imports of maize flour and cereals into India rebounded. In 2020, imports totaled 299 thousand US dollars, marking a 15.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 67.7%, with a compound annual decline rate of 31.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 258 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decline of 63.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China (29.7% of import value), the United States (25.3%), and Thailand (11.9%) remained the primary suppliers of maize flour and cereals to India. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 66.9% of total imports in value terms.

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

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