Maize market in Australia and New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, maize production in Australia and New Zealand showed significant variability, largely driven by weather conditions in New Zealand. Wet weather in 2020 delayed planting and caused flooding, reducing output. Similarly, in 2023, frequent rains and wet soils again hampered the harvest. In contrast, 2022 saw an 11% increase in planting intentions in New Zealand, contributing to a production rebound, although yields were affected by persistent moisture.

Production costs in Australia rose sharply from 2022 onward, particularly for agricultural machinery and labor, leading farmers to reduce planting plans. Meanwhile, the Ukraine conflict triggered a spike in maize prices in 2022, reaching NZD 605 per tonne for New Zealand producers. Strong global demand for beef supported Australian meat exports, indirectly sustaining feed maize demand.

Production maize in Australia and New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of maize, 2018-2021

World map of production of maize, 2018-2021

Following two consecutive years of decline, maize production in Australia and New Zealand rebounded in 2021. The region produced 514.9 K t of maize that year, representing a significant 12.5% increase compared to 2020. Looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, overall production decreased by 11.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.8%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2020 at 457.6 K t, which also saw the largest year-on-year decline of 12.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After two years of contraction, the value of maize production in Australia and New Zealand showed growth in 2021. The output was valued at 193.3 M $ US that year, marking a 5.4% increase from 2020. Over the four-year span from 2018 to 2021, however, production value fell by 37.9%, equivalent to a compound annual growth rate of -14.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 183.4 M $ US, which also experienced the steepest decline of 36.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports maize from Australia and New Zealand

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 before peaking in 2021, with the peak being 1.8 times higher than the trough. In 2021, Australia and New Zealand exported 89.3 K t of maize, representing a sharp 79.2% increase from the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2020 at 49.9 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 25.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, South Korea dominated exports in volume terms, accounting for 87.5% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

World map of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, the value of maize exports from Australia and New Zealand reached 33 544 K $ US, a substantial 67.9% increase compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, however, export value decreased by 3.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 19 976 K $ US, while the highest was in 2019 at 37 007 K $ US. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, dropping by 46.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, South Korea, Switzerland, and Japan were the top buyers of maize from Australia and New Zealand in value terms. South Korea led with 59.2% of exports, followed by Switzerland at 9.1% and Japan at 3.1%. Together, these three markets accounted for 71.4% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021

Imports maize to Australia and New Zealand

Imports in kind, K t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes fluctuated significantly from 2019 to 2021, with the peak being 2.2 times higher than the trough. In 2021, maize deliveries to Australia and New Zealand amounted to 112.2 K t, showing a modest decline of 2.6% compared to 2020. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 249.9 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 53.9%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 111.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Throughout the period from 2018 to 2021, Romania and the United States were the primary sources for imports in volume terms, together representing 98.3% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Import value peaked in 2019 and bottomed out in 2020, with the peak being 2.2 times higher than the trough. In 2021, foreign maize supplies to Australia and New Zealand totaled 32 635 K $ US, a slight 1.6% increase year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 32 134 K $ US, while the maximum was in 2019 at 71 018 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 54.8%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 106.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Romania and the United States were the dominant sources for maize imports to Australia and New Zealand in value terms, jointly accounting for 87.5% of total flows. The remainder was distributed among smaller markets.

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

World map of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021