Maize flour and cereals market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for maize flour and cereals in the United States increased from 25,189 thousand tons in 2018 to 27,015 thousand tons in 2021, while its value rose from 14,159 million USD to 16,857 million USD. This growth was supported by strong demand for maize flour in snack manufacturing, particularly for tortilla chips, and a shift toward gluten-free products due to rising health awareness. However, increasing raw material costs began to pressure the market.

In 2022, severe droughts across the U.S. significantly reduced corn production, leading to a drop in market volume to 24,056 thousand tons, though value climbed to 17,730 million USD as prices surged. Consumer trends toward gluten-free, organic, and flavored maize flour varieties continued to expand, with demand for stone-ground non-GMO products rising sharply. By 2023, volume stabilized around 24,084 thousand tons, while value reached 18,872 million USD, as supply chain challenges and high corn prices persisted.

Production maize flour and cereals in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States maintained its position as the world's leading producer of maize flour and cereals.

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 the United States grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 26 500 K t, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 1.2%. Production hit its lowest point in 2018 at 25 204 K t, which represented the largest decline of 4.0% during this period. The most significant growth occurred in 2019, with a 3.9% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Maize flour and cereals production in the United States expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the value of production stood at 14 853 M $ US, reflecting a slight year-over-year increase of 1.6%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value grew by 5.6%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports maize flour and cereals from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Maize flour and cereals exports from the United States increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume totaled 279.7 K t, showing little change from the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 271.8 K t, which saw the largest decline of 2.4%. The most notable increase occurred in 2019, with a 2.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada, Mexico, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were the principal buyers of maize flour and cereals from the United States. Canada accounted for 31.4% of exports in kind, Mexico for 29.5%, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for 4.5%. Together, these three countries represented 65.4% of total exports in kind.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Maize flour and cereals exports from the United States grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 156.8 M $ US, up 0.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, Mexico, and Australia were the main destinations for maize flour and cereals exports from the United States in value terms. Canada accounted for 33.1% of export value, Mexico for 25.7%, and Australia for 3.9%. Collectively, these three countries represented 62.7% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports maize flour and cereals to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

Maize flour and cereals imports into the United States rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 373.3 K t, reflecting a substantial 25.5% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 31.3%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 9.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 256.4 K t, which saw the largest decline of 9.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017-2020, Mexico and Canada remained the primary suppliers of maize flour and cereals to the United States. Together, they accounted for 80.3% of total imports in kind, with other countries making up the remainder.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Maize flour and cereals imports into the United States increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value totaled 156.3 M $ US, marking a 26.2% year-over-year rise. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 43.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 12.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 156.3 M $ US, which saw the largest decline of 2.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, Mexico, Canada, and Italy were the main suppliers of maize flour and cereals to the United States in value terms. Mexico accounted for 55.2% of import value, Canada for 15.2%, and Italy for 7.0%. Together, these three countries comprised 77.4% of total imports in value terms.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020