Maize flour and cereals market in South-eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The maize flour and cereals market in South-eastern Asia expanded from 8 060 thousand tons in 2018 to 8 998 thousand tons in 2019. This growth was supported by high corn production in Asian countries, massive urbanization, and the rising popularity of ready-to-eat foods due to active lifestyles, alongside increased health awareness and advancements in retail infrastructure. However, the market volume sharply contracted to 5 003 thousand tons in 2020. A further decline to 4 369 thousand tons occurred in 2021, partly due to rising corn prices which affected the affordability of maize flour, as noted in market factors for that year.

Market conditions began to stabilize in 2022 at 4 401 thousand tons, followed by a recovery to 4 509 thousand tons in 2023. This gradual upturn was fueled by product innovations such as flavored and protein-enriched maize flour variants, alongside the growing adoption of sustainable and organic agricultural practices. Increased consumer demand for gluten-free and organic products continued to shape the market, with major players like Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill, and Bunge maintaining a significant presence.

Production maize flour and cereals in South-eastern Asia

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

After two consecutive years of growth, maize flour and cereals production in South-eastern Asia experienced a decline. In 2020, the region produced 4 892 K t, marking a significant year-over-year decrease of 44.9%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 31.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 11.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 8 884 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 12.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports maize flour and cereals from South-eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for maize flour and cereals from South-eastern Asia showed considerable volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports amounted to 197.1 K t, representing a 17.1% increase compared to the previous year. The largest annual decline was recorded in 2019 at 7.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 79.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export partner structure for maize flour and cereals in kind remained highly fragmented. China accounted for 11.9% of exports, Japan for 10.9%, and Hong Kong for 7.4%. Together, these three partners represented just 30.2% of total export flows, with no single country achieving a dominant share.

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

World map of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Maize flour and cereals exports from South-eastern Asia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 201.3 M $ US worth of these products, reflecting a 13.5% advance compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 44%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 12.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During the 2017–2020 period, Japan, China, and Hong Kong were among the largest buyers of maize flour and cereals from South-eastern Asia in value terms, accounting for 12.4%, 11.6%, and 7.9% of exports respectively. However, even combined, they represented only 31.9% of total export value, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

World map of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports maize flour and cereals to South-eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Maize flour and cereals imports into South-eastern Asia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported approximately 308.1 K t, showing a 9.0% year-over-year rise. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 31.5%, which corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 9.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina, Brazil, and India were the most significant contributors to maize flour and cereals imports in kind into South-eastern Asia. Argentina accounted for 42.1% of imports, Brazil for 11.4%, and India for 7.2%. Together, these three countries represented 60.7% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, maize flour and cereals imports into South-eastern Asia reached 149.9 M $ US, indicating a significant gain of 13.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 30.7%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 9.3%. The largest annual decline was recorded in 2019 at 1.6%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 17.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over the 2017–2020 period, imports in value terms of maize flour and cereals to South-eastern Asia relied on a wide range of partner countries. Argentina accounted for 19.8% of imports, China for 8.6%, and India for 6.3%. Together, these three partners represented just 34.7% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020