Maize market in Belarus

Earlier Report Observations

The maize market in Belarus opened the period at 1 319 thousand tons in 2018, supported by an expansion of planted area for the crop. After a rise to 1 407 thousand tons in 2019, the market volume contracted to 1 145 thousand tons in 2020. A recovery began in 2021 as the market reached 1 155 thousand tons, driven primarily by a 5.6% increase in maize yield to 53.1 centners per hectare, which boosted domestic production.

Regulatory measures and agricultural improvements shaped the market in the following years. In 2022, a temporary ban on maize exports to EAEU member states was implemented to secure domestic supply, coinciding with a forecasted increase in planted area. The market volume adjusted to 1 028 thousand tons that year amid broader agricultural policy simplifications. By 2023, the market grew to 1 050 thousand tons, supported by continued yield growth, the active use of competitive domestic hybrids, and stable high consumption from the livestock sector.

Production maize in Belarus

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize, 2017-2020

Belarus's maize production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 076 thousand tons of maize, which represents a 1.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 55%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 15.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 138 thousand tons. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 with a 3.7% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018 with a 63.9% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Belarus in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports maize from Belarus

Exports in kind, K t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a staggering 1 170-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, cross-border shipments of maize from Belarus totaled 36.3 thousand tons, marking an extraordinary increase of 116 850.6% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 thousand tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 99.7% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Lithuania, Norway, and Latvia were the main markets for Belarus's maize exports in kind. Lithuania accounted for 42.3% of exports, Norway for 36.9%, and Latvia for 13.2%. Together, these three countries represented 92.4% of total export flows during this period.

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

World map of product's exports from Belarus in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 176-fold gap between these years. In 2020, the value of exported maize from Belarus reached 7 060 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp gain of 12 329.0% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 with a 95.8% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belarus in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Lithuania, Norway, and Latvia accounted for the largest share of Belarus's maize exports in value terms. Lithuania represented 39.7% of exports, Norway 37.5%, and Latvia 11.9%. Together, these three markets comprised 89.1% of total export flows during this period.

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

World map of product's exports from Belarus in value, 2017-2020

Imports maize to Belarus

Imports in kind, K t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Imports peaked in 2019 and reached their lowest point in 2017, with a 4.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, maize deliveries to Belarus totaled 105.0 thousand tons, reflecting a decline of 66.3% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 311.6 thousand tons. The largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 165.7% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ukraine and Russia continued to lead as the main sources for Belarus's maize imports in kind. Together, these two countries accounted for 95.4% of total import flows, while other partners played a supplementary role.

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

World map of product's imports to Belarus in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year rise, Belarus's maize import volume declined. In 2020, imports totaled 55 778 thousand US dollars, showing a loss of 36.6% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 11%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 3.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 88 000 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 51.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belarus in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Russia, and Moldova were the main suppliers of maize to Belarus in value terms. Ukraine accounted for 35.1% of imports, Russia for 21.7%, and Moldova for 11.6%. Together, these three countries comprised 68.4% of total imports during this period.

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

World map of product's imports to Belarus in value, 2017-2020