Maize flour and cereals market in Switzerland

Earlier Report Observations

The market for maize flour and cereals in Switzerland grew from 6 729 tons in 2018 to 9 200 tons in 2020. This expansion took place against a backdrop of stable tariff quotas and normal climatic conditions initially, before being accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic caused supply difficulties and higher production costs, while also stimulating household demand for staple food products.

Market volume contracted to 7 952 tons in 2021, primarily due to a poor wheat harvest that reduced domestic supply and raised flour costs. A sharp rebound followed in 2022, with the market reaching 9 665 tons. This recovery was driven by the war in Ukraine, which spurred global wheat price increases and led the Swiss government to repeatedly cut import duties on bread cereals. Additionally, Bio Suisse temporarily permitted up to 20% European wheat in its Bourgeon flour to alleviate domestic shortfalls.

In 2023, the market adjusted to 8 686 tons as global wheat prices normalized and the tariff framework stabilized. For 2024, new customs duties on spelt and wheat starch flour took effect, alongside the implementation of a target-price system for bread cereals aimed at providing more predictable incomes for farmers.

Production maize flour and cereals in Switzerland

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

Switzerland's production of maize flour and cereals has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 5 703 tonnes, marking a significant 13.9% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 15.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.0%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 187 tonnes, which represented a 15.0% decline from the previous year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 19.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Switzerland's production value of maize flour and cereals has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 12 274 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate 4.3% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 22.9%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 7.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Switzerland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports maize flour and cereals from Switzerland

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Switzerland's cross-border shipments of maize flour and cereals totalled 166 tonnes, reflecting a gradual 6.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 23.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 110 tonnes, which was an 18.0% decline from 2017. The highest volume was in 2019 at 177 tonnes, representing a substantial 60.9% increase from 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and France were the main destinations for Switzerland's maize flour and cereals exports in volume terms. Italy accounted for 33.0% of exports, Germany for 29.0%, and France for 17.1%, together making up 79.1% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Switzerland's exports of maize flour and cereals in value terms declined in 2020. The country exported 357 thousand US dollars worth of these products, down by 14.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 31.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 9.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 415 thousand US dollars, which was a 51.9% increase from 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and France were the principal markets for Switzerland's maize flour and cereals exports in value terms, together accounting for 87.6% of total exports.

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

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

Imports maize flour and cereals to Switzerland

Imports in kind, t

Switzerland's imports of maize flour and cereals in volume terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 3 663 tonnes, up by 32.9% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 58.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Italy were the main sources for Switzerland's maize flour and cereals imports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 29.5% of imports, France for 21.8%, and Italy for 16.2%, jointly representing 67.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Switzerland's imports of maize flour and cereals in value terms have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 4 618 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a dramatic 33.2% increase year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 72.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 20.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and France were the main markets for Switzerland's maize flour and cereals imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 37.1% of imports, Italy for 16.3%, and France for 14.9%, together making up 68.4% of total import flows.

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

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