Maize flour and cereals market in Mozambique

Earlier Report Observations

The maize flour and cereals market in Mozambique saw strong growth from 2018 to 2022, with production increasing from 1 013 thousand tons to 1 869 thousand tons and market volume expanding from 1 022 thousand tons to 1 880 thousand tons. This rise reflected enhanced domestic capacity and sustained demand for staple foods.

Logistical disruptions and supply constraints from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 temporarily affected the market, yet production continued to climb, underscoring the sector's ability to maintain output amid global challenges.

In 2023, production eased to 1 717 thousand tons, while imports surged to 92 thousand tons, signaling a shift in supply dynamics as the market adjusted to changing conditions.

Production maize flour and cereals in Mozambique

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 Mozambique has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Mozambique produced 1 387 thousand tons of maize flour and cereals, representing a 16.3% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 44.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.1%.

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

Exports maize flour and cereals from Mozambique

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 7 tons, then surged to 91 tons in 2020, reflecting a sharp increase of 1,290.0% compared to 2019. From the peak in 2017 to the trough in 2019, exports changed by a factor of 46. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 93.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Congo remained the dominant partner for exports in kind of maize flour and cereals from Mozambique, accounting for 73.1% of total flows, while other markets formed a long tail.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest value occurred in 2018 at 7 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2017, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 13 times. In 2020, maize flour and cereals volumes leaving Mozambique totaled 14 thousand US dollars, showing an increase of 26.5% relative to the prior year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 92.3%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 60.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Congo concentrated 81.9% of total exports in value terms of maize flour and cereals from Mozambique, and the residual flows were scattered across multiple smaller partners.

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

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

Imports maize flour and cereals to Mozambique

Imports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of maize flour and cereals to Mozambique have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 16 180 tons, up by 60.7% over the past year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 30.9%, with an average annual decline of 11.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 9 592 tons, and the largest decline was in 2018 at 59.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, South Africa remained the almost exclusive supplier of maize flour and cereals to Mozambique, with a share of 96.5% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Maize flour and cereals deliveries to Mozambique have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 32 165 thousand US dollars, equivalent to an uptick of 66.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 177.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 40.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms remained heavily focused on South Africa, which accounted for 98.0% of total flows.

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

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