Maize market in Azerbaijan

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the maize market in Azerbaijan expanded from 299.6 thousand tons to 363.1 thousand tons. This growth was primarily driven by improved domestic production, supported by the widespread adoption of specific agro-technical measures such as deep soil loosening and weed control, which enhanced crop yields. In 2020, a significant drop in global maize prices, reaching a three-year low due to increased U.S. production, made imports more affordable. However, domestic output continued to rise, partially offsetting import volumes.

The market contracted sharply in 2021 to 298.5 thousand tons, influenced by rising global grain prices triggered by Russian export quotas and reduced worldwide production, which increased the cost of imports. This period also saw the closure of the South Caucasus's only maize processing plant, affecting downstream industry structure. A recovery followed in 2022, with the market reaching 345.5 thousand tons, fueled by a substantial surge in imports that compensated for a dip in domestic production. By 2023, the market grew further to 360.0 thousand tons despite rising production costs linked to a 27% increase in mineral fertilizer imports and a global fertilizer shortage, which pressured farmers' expenses.

In 2024, Azerbaijan sourced 97.7% of its maize imports from Russia, totaling 85.3 thousand tons, reflecting a consolidated trade relationship. Import volumes then decreased to 51.1 thousand tons in 2025.

Production maize in Azerbaijan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of maize, 2018-2021

World map of production of maize, 2018-2021

Azerbaijan's maize production saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2021, the country produced 279.2 K t of maize, which represents an 11.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 12.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.0%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2020 at 314.5 K t, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019 at 14.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports maize from Azerbaijan

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 before peaking in 2021, with a staggering 12 962-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Azerbaijan exported 11 663 t of maize, marking a dramatic 96.8% decrease compared to the previous year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Iraq and Iran consistently served as the primary export destinations for maize, together accounting for 93.5% of total export volumes. Other trading partners each held significantly smaller shares during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market demonstrated considerable volatility throughout the observation period. Export values hit their lowest point in 2019 before reaching their peak in 2021, with a remarkable 324-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Azerbaijan's maize exports were valued at 2 630 K $ US, representing a substantial 83.9% decrease from the previous year.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, Iraq and Iran remained the dominant export markets in value terms, collectively representing 91.8% of total export revenue. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

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

Imports maize to Azerbaijan

Imports in kind, t

Azerbaijan's maize imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import volume stood at 30 884 t, reflecting a significant 36.4% decrease compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 40.3%, with an average annual decline of 15.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 71 069 t, which also saw the largest year-on-year increase of 37.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia overwhelmingly dominated Azerbaijan's maize import structure, accounting for 96.0% of total import volumes during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Azerbaijan's maize imports declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, import value reached 11 852 K $ US, showing a notable 16.3% decrease from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 2.4%, with an average annual decline of 0.8%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 18 435 K $ US, which also experienced the largest year-on-year increase of 51.8%. The most significant decrease occurred in 2020 at 23.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Russia and Turkey emerged as the principal sources for Azerbaijan's maize imports in value terms, together accounting for 83.9% of total import expenditure, while other markets shared the remaining portion.

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

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