Maize groats and meal market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the Russian maize groats and meal market contracted from 70 580 tonnes in 2018 to 53 395 tonnes in 2020. This decline was linked to reduced corn harvests, which lowered production, a factor particularly evident in 2020. During this period, the market saw a diversification of products, including flour, flakes, and popcorn, alongside growing interest in maize groats as a raw material for various goods. Consumer demand was supported by a trend toward healthier lifestyles and convenience, stimulating interest in individually packaged cereals.

From 2021, the market recovered, reaching 61 320 tonnes, then surged to 80 633 tonnes in 2022. This growth was driven by recovering corn harvests and a production boom in the industrial processing sector. Shifts in consumer preferences toward cheaper and more convenient cereals, including instant products, further supported demand. In 2023, the market stabilized at around 79 928 tonnes, with retail sales rising by 5.8% due to high grain harvests that lowered prices and inflation with a weak ruble spurring demand for affordable food. The market continued a moderate expansion to 81 974 tonnes in 2024.

Production maize groats and meal in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

After declining for two consecutive years, Russia's production of maize groats and meal rebounded in 2021. Output reached 67 201 tonnes last year, marking a 20.0% year-on-year increase. Looking at the broader 2018-2021 period, production actually decreased by 7.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 56 002 tonnes, while the sharpest annual decline occurred in 2019 when output fell by 13.7%.

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

Exports maize groats and meal from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed considerable volatility throughout the period. The lowest point was reached in 2018, while exports peaked in 2021, creating a 1.8-fold difference between these extremes. In 2021, Russia exported 5 675 tonnes of maize groats and meal, representing a substantial 74.2% increase compared to the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2020 when exports dropped by 24.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, three countries dominated Russia's maize groats and meal exports in volume terms. Kazakhstan accounted for 57.6% of exports, Belarus represented 13.1%, and Ukraine contributed 9.6%. Together, these three markets comprised 80.3% of Russia's total export flows during this period.

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 groats and meal exports in value terms reached 2 410 thousand US dollars in 2021, showing a sharp 68.8% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export values grew by 98.9%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of 25.8%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020 when export values fell by 27.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three key markets accounted for the majority of Russia's maize groats and meal exports in value terms. Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Ukraine together represented 75.0% of total export value during this period.

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 groats and meal to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes demonstrated significant volatility during the observed period. Imports peaked in 2019 at 754 tonnes before declining to just 135 tonnes in 2021, representing a 5.6-fold decrease between these years. The 2021 import volume of 135 tonnes marked a 31.8% decrease from the previous year. The most dramatic decline occurred in 2020 when imports fell by 73.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 with a 233.3% surge.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Poland, Germany, and Portugal were the leading sources of maize groats and meal imports to Russia in volume terms. Poland accounted for 24.9% of imports, Germany represented 24.5%, and Portugal contributed 18.3%. Collectively, these three countries supplied 67.6% of Russia's total import volume during this period.

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

Import values showed noticeable fluctuations throughout the period. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 434 thousand US dollars, while the lowest occurred in 2018, creating a 2.8-fold difference between these extremes. In 2021, Russia imported 159 thousand US dollars worth of maize groats and meal, representing a 10.1% decrease from the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2020 when import values fell by 59.4%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 with a 177.8% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Portugal, Italy, and Poland were the primary sources of maize groats and meal imports to Russia in value terms. Portugal accounted for 22.6% of import value, Italy represented 17.0%, and Poland contributed 16.4%. Together, these three countries supplied 55.9% of Russia's total import value during this period.

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

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