Maize flour market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Russian maize flour market volume fluctuated, reaching a peak of 25 389 t in 2020 before settling at 23 196 t in 2021. The significant surge in 2020 was largely driven by increased consumer demand for semi-finished and ready-to-eat food products, which stimulated flour consumption. The following year, the introduction of a high export duty on Russian grain encouraged more active domestic processing of cereals, including maize, although the total market volume experienced a slight correction after the previous year's high.

From 2022 onward, the market entered a phase of strong expansion, growing to 35 459 t in 2023 and further to 37 837 t in 2024. This growth was propelled by the launch of a new flour mill by 'Basis Plus' in Krasnodar Krai and the design phase of a facility by 'Progress Agro,' which increased production capacity. Furthermore, international sanctions and a sharp drop in flour supplies from Ukraine opened new export markets for Russian producers, boosting overall output. Concurrently, rising consumer demand for flour and flour-based products supported market growth, with retail sales in trade networks increasing.

Production of maize flour continued to rise, reaching 43 918 t in 2025. The market dynamics in this period were also influenced by adjustments to grain and flour export duties and regulations, which shaped trade flows. The overall trajectory reflects a market responsive to both internal capacity investments and shifting external trade opportunities.

Production maize flour in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2019, Russia's maize flour production hit its lowest point at 17 192 tonnes. The following year, 2020, saw production peak at 24 997 tonnes, marking a substantial 45.4% increase. By 2021, production had settled at 22 930 tonnes, which represents an 8.3% decline from the previous year. Over the entire 2018-2021 period, production grew by 30.9%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 9.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports maize flour from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Russia's maize flour exports have now grown for two consecutive years. In 2019, exports dropped to their lowest level of 520 tonnes, a decrease of 11.5%. However, they rebounded sharply in 2020 with a 57.0% surge. By 2021, exports reached 867 tonnes, showing a moderate 6.1% increase from the year before. Overall, from 2018 to 2021, exports expanded by 47.5%, averaging 13.8% growth per year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Kazakhstan and Belarus were the dominant partners for Russia's maize flour exports in volume terms, while other countries collectively accounted for the remainder.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Russia's maize flour export value has increased for three straight years. In 2021, exports totaled $467.7 thousand, up 13.2% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, the value of exports rose by 83.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 22.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan and Belarus dominated Russia's maize flour exports in value, together making up 86.3% of the total. Other destinations contributed smaller individual shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports maize flour to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Russia's maize flour imports have risen for three consecutive years. In 2021, imports amounted to 1 238 tonnes, a 7.3% increase from the prior year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import volume grew by 94.7%, averaging 24.9% per year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout 2018-2021, the Netherlands and Poland were the primary sources for Russia's maize flour imports in volume, jointly representing 85.1% of total flows. Other origins had relatively modest shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Russia's maize flour import value has grown for three years in a row. In 2021, imports reached $871.0 thousand, reflecting a 17.0% rise compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, import value increased by 92.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 24.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In the 2018-2021 period, the Netherlands and Poland remained the key markets for Russia's maize flour imports in value terms, together accounting for 82.6% of total flows. Other partners made up the rest.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021