Maize flour and cereals market in Israel

Earlier Report Observations

The maize flour and cereals market in Israel saw steady growth from 2018 to 2020, with market volume rising from 108,353 t to 130,719 t. This expansion was driven by increased consumer spending on food and a growing preference for gluten-free products, which elevated demand for maize-based ingredients. The surge accelerated in 2020 as the rapid growth of the plant-based meat alternatives segment, which often relies on maize derivatives, further stimulated consumption and led to a sharp increase in imports to 46,086 t.

A shift occurred from 2021, when the market volume dropped to 105,248 t following the introduction of stricter consumer protection laws and enhanced price supervision on food products, including the declaration of certain monopolies. These regulatory measures constrained supply and import activity. Temporary relief came in 2022 with reforms to remove tariffs on some agricultural imports, aiding a modest recovery to 109,373 t. However, continued stringent price controls and regulatory oversight in 2023, despite falling global maize prices, contributed to a further contraction in market volume to 100,736 t.

In 2024, imports declined to 25,173 t, coinciding with the implementation of the 'what’s good for Europe is good for Israel' reform aimed at boosting competition and lowering food prices. Ongoing regulatory efforts to weaken food monopolies and control prices, alongside persistent market concentration, shaped the trade environment for maize flour and cereals.

Production maize flour and cereals in Israel

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of maize flour and cereals, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Israel produced 84 700 tonnes of maize flour and cereals, showing no significant change from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 0.0%, while the largest increase also occurred in 2018 at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Israel in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports maize flour and cereals from Israel

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The lowest export volume was observed in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 8.3 times. In 2020, Israel exported 68 tonnes of maize flour and cereals, marking a sharp increase of 42.6% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 96 tonnes. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 50.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 730.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bunkers (52.2% of exports in kind), the United States (18.6% of exports in kind), and Djibouti (10.8% of exports in kind) remained the leading destinations in Israel's export structure, collectively accounting for 81.5% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports changed by 4.4-fold from the trough in 2017 to the peak in 2018. In 2020, Israel's maize flour and cereals exports stood at 45 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep increase of 50.0% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 71 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 57.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 343.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bunkers (50.0% of exports in value terms), the United States (23.5% of exports in value terms), and Djibouti (8.0% of exports in value terms) formed the main group of destinations for Israel's maize flour and cereals exports by value, with a combined share of 81.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports maize flour and cereals to Israel

Imports in kind, t

Israel's maize flour and cereals import volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 46 086 tonnes, indicating a steep uptick of 67.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 130%, equating to an annualized rate of 32.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy (43.7% of imports in kind), Switzerland (15.6% of imports in kind), and the Netherlands (13.7% of imports in kind) consistently occupied leading positions in Israel's import structure, jointly accounting for 73.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The volume of maize flour and cereals imports to Israel increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 20 757 thousand US dollars, which is 70.7% higher compared to the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 119.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 29.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy (41.1% of imports in value terms), Switzerland (13.4% of imports in value terms), and the Netherlands (13.4% of imports in value terms) remained the leading destinations in Israel's import structure by value, with a combined share of 67.9% of total flows.

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

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