Maize market in Canada

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the volume of the Canadian maize market showed considerable variation. It began at 13.7 million tonnes in 2018, rose to 14.4 million tonnes in 2019, then saw a slight stabilization at 14.2 million tonnes in 2020. A period of strong growth followed, with the market expanding to 15.8 million tonnes in 2021 and reaching a peak of 17.3 million tonnes in 2022, before contracting to 15.6 million tonnes in 2023.

In 2024, specific factors influenced the market environment. The La Nina weather pattern, leading to reduced rainfall and higher temperatures in South America, affected global conditions relevant to Canadian maize. Domestically, drought in western Canada and excessive moisture in eastern Canada impacted fertilizer demand and crop input strategies, prompting anticipation for early maturing maize varieties. The Grain Farmers of Ontario continued as a key organization representing corn growers within the market.

Production maize in Canada

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada ranked 11th globally in maize production.

Top producers of maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize, 2017-2020

Following a two-year decline, Canada's maize production volume increased. In 2020, Canada produced 13 563 K t of maize, marking a 1.2% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 3.8%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 13 404 K t, with the largest decline of 3.5% occurring that same year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Maize production in Canada increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 2 970 M $ US, representing an 11.7% advance over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 11.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 635 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 1.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Canada in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports maize from Canada

Exports in kind, K t

Maize exports from Canada declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1 139 K t, a 6.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 30.5%, with an annualized rate of 11.4%. The peak was reached in 2018 at 2 150 K t, which also experienced the largest increase of 31.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 43.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ireland, the United States, and Spain formed the core group of markets for Canada's maize exports in kind. Ireland accounted for 35.4% of exports, the United States for 25.9%, and Spain for 16.0%, together representing 77.3% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Canada exported 249.3 M $ US of maize in 2020, a 3.1% increase year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 19.6%, with an annualized rate of 7.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 241.8 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 40.8%. The maximum value occurred in 2018 at 408.1 M $ US, with the largest increase of 31.6% that year.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the United States, Ireland, and Spain stood out as the main markets for Canada's maize exports in value terms. The United States accounted for 37.6% of exports, Ireland for 29.6%, and Spain for 13.6%, together making up 80.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports maize to Canada

Imports in kind, K t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports peaked in 2019 at 2 233 K t and reached their lowest point in 2017, with a 3.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Canada's volume of maize imports amounted to 1 793 K t, showing a drop of 19.7% year-over-year. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, surging by 197.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of maize to Canada were almost entirely tied to the United States, which accounted for 97.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year increase, Canada's maize import volume declined. In 2020, Canada imported approximately 453.8 M $ US of maize, down by 13.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 42.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 525.3 M $ US, with the largest increase of 57.7% occurring in 2018.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the structure of maize imports in value terms was dominated by a single market: the United States, with a share of 96.2% of total flows.

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

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