Maize flour and cereals market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The maize flour and cereals market in Northern Africa experienced steady growth from 2018 to 2023, with production increasing from 6 125 thousand tons to 7 538 thousand tons. This expansion was initially supported by a continent-wide rise in corn yields, which had multiplied over the preceding decade due to improved agricultural practices. Government policies focusing on farmer support, better access to fertilizers, and the introduction of digital e-voucher systems for inputs further strengthened production capacity in the early 2020s.

Improved water reserves after drought periods and increased investment in agricultural infrastructure and modern technologies helped stabilize and boost output. Concurrently, changing consumer preferences toward healthy snacks, including popcorn, raised demand for maize-based products. By 2024, new players entered the market with popcorn production projects, while updated packaging and traceability regulations aimed to enhance product quality and market transparency.

International alliances such as BRICS facilitated funding for drought-resistant hybrid corn varieties, and continued state subsidies through digital programs supported input distribution. These combined factors—from yield-enhancing projects and policy support to demand shifts and new entrants—drove the consistent rise in market volume throughout the period.

Production maize flour and cereals in Northern Africa

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

Northern Africa's maize flour and cereals production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 6,786 thousand tons, marking a 3.5% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 6.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 6,125 thousand tons, which saw the largest decline of 3.5%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the biggest increase at 7.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Northern Africa's maize flour and cereals production value has fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 2,602 million US dollars, down 3.0% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value dropped by 10.6%, with an average annual decline of 3.6%. The highest value was in 2018 at 3,202 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 10.1%. The most significant decrease occurred in 2019, with a 16.2% drop.

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

Exports maize flour and cereals from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Northern Africa's maize flour and cereals exports declined. In 2020, export volume totaled 7,031 tons, a modest 6.9% reduction from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 71.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 19.6%. The peak was in 2019 at 7,552 tons, while the largest increase of 44.2% was recorded in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for exports in kind were Mauritania, Palestine, and Jordan, which together accounted for 55.8% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Maize flour and cereals exports from Northern Africa have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, export value reached 2,696 thousand US dollars, down 12.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 43.2%, with an annualized rate of 12.7%. The highest value was in 2018 at 3,098 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 64.6%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Palestine (21.7% of exports in value terms), Mauritania (21.2%), and Jordan (12.0%) formed the key group of partners for maize flour and cereals exports from Northern Africa, jointly representing 54.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports maize flour and cereals to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, maize flour and cereals imports into Northern Africa increased. In 2020, the region imported approximately 21,996 tons, up 17.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 40.4%, with an average annual decline of 15.8%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 18,793 tons, which also saw the largest drop of 29.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey (56.9% of imports in kind), Ukraine (19.4%), and Spain (5.5%) were the main suppliers of maize flour and cereals to Northern Africa, jointly accounting for 81.9% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of decrease, foreign maize flour and cereals supplies to Northern Africa rose. In 2020, imports stood at 9,113 thousand US dollars, a significant 11.5% improvement from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 38.5%, with an annualized decline of 15.0%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 8,171 thousand US dollars, which also recorded the largest decrease of 29.7%.

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

Over 2017–2020, Turkey (53.4% of imports in value terms), Ukraine (18.7%), and Spain (5.8%) were the primary suppliers of maize flour and cereals to Northern Africa, jointly accounting for 77.9% of total imports in value terms.

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

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