Maize market in Benin

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, Benin's maize market volume grew steadily from 1.5 million tons to 1.6 million tons. This expansion was primarily driven by the government's agricultural revival plan, implemented in 2018, which aimed to increase cultivated areas, improve yields, and enhance storage and processing infrastructure. Strong local demand from institutional buyers, such as school canteens with a preference for domestically produced maize, further supported consumption during this period.

The market stabilized in 2022 at 1.6 million tons, as global shocks including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine led to a sharp increase in fertilizer prices, threatening production costs. In response, the state mobilized fertilizer subsidies for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 campaigns to support farmers. These subsidies, alongside the cumulative effect of earlier agricultural policies, contributed to a significant 27% surge in the market volume to 2.1 million tons in 2023.

Production maize in Benin

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize, 2017-2020

Benin's maize production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 612 thousand tonnes of maize, marking a modest 2.0% rise from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.5%.

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

Exports maize from Benin

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import levels varied significantly, with a 9.8-fold difference between the low in 2019 and the high in 2020. In 2020, Benin's maize exports reached 16 tonnes, representing an 884.4% surge compared to the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 68.7% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Togo and Gabon were the clear leaders in Benin's maize exports by volume, together accounting for 99.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Benin's maize exports in value terms have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value stood at 9 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial 177.2% year-on-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 228%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 48.6%.

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

During 2017–2020, Togo and Gabon dominated Benin's maize exports in value terms, with their combined share reaching 99.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports maize to Benin

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Import volumes varied 3.3 times from the low in 2018 to the high in 2020. In 2020, Benin's maize imports amounted to 3 456 tonnes, corresponding to a 30.3% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 054 tonnes, with the largest decline occurring in 2018 at 1.9%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a 151.8% rise.

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

Over 2017–2020, Togo and Argentina were the primary sources for Benin's maize imports by volume, jointly accounting for 81.1% of total import flows, while the remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Benin imported maize worth 9 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 39.5% decrease from the previous year. The minimum import value was recorded in 2018 at 616 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 1 741 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 182.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Argentina, Togo, and South Africa—together accounted for 89.3% of Benin's total maize imports in value terms.

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

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