Maize market in Chile, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, Chilean maize production contracted sharply, falling from 1.1 million tons to 593 thousand tons. This decline in local output was offset by rising imports, which kept the total market volume stable at over 3.3 million tons. Production rebounded in 2021 to 794 thousand tons, a recovery supported by significant investment in agricultural technology and water management aimed at improving yields and efficiency.

From 2022, production faced new pressures. The Ministry of Agriculture's prohibition of four highly toxic pesticides disrupted farming practices, contributing to a drop in output. Concurrently, the market was influenced by low international prices and high production in Argentina, which increased competitive pressure on local farmers. These factors led to a gradual reduction in total market volume, which fell to 2.9 million tons by 2023.

Regulatory developments provided a broader context for these changes. The government advanced a Soil Framework Law to promote sustainable land management and initiated updates to fertilizer regulations and the framework for transgenic crops, including maize. These measures aimed to steer the sector toward more environmentally sustainable practices.

Production maize in Chile

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of maize, 2018-2021

World map of production of maize, 2018-2021

Chile's maize production rebounded in 2021 after two consecutive years of decline. Output reached 794 K t, marking a significant 33.9% increase compared to 2020. Looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 28.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 10.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 593 K t, when output dropped by 39.1%—the steepest decline during this timeframe.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Following two years of contraction, Chile's maize production value rose in 2021. The output was valued at 2 578 M $ US, representing a sharp 32.6% year-over-year increase. From 2018 to 2021, however, the overall production value decreased by 26.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -9.9%. The lowest value occurred in 2020 at 1 945 M $ US, when it fell by 26.4%—the largest drop in this period.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports maize from Chile

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, Chile's maize exports amounted to 31 K t, a slight decrease of 3.2% from 2020. Over the four-year span from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 12.9%, averaging an annualized increase of 4.1%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 23 K t, which saw a decline of 16.5%. In contrast, exports peaked in 2020 at 32 K t, surging by 39.7%—the highest growth rate observed.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, France, and South Africa were the key destinations for Chile's maize exports in volume terms. The United States accounted for 55.6% of exports, France for 15.6%, and South Africa for 6.3%. Together, these three countries represented 77.5% of Chile's total maize export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Chile's maize export value reached 100.4 M $ US in 2021, showing a modest decline of 4.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export value increased by 15.4%, with an annualized growth rate of 4.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 62.1 M $ US, when it fell by 28.6%. Exports hit their highest point in 2020 at 104.7 M $ US, jumping by 68.7%—the largest increase in this timeframe.

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

During 2018–2021, the United States, France, and South Africa dominated Chile's maize exports in value terms. These three markets collectively accounted for 80.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports maize to Chile

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Chile's maize imports declined in 2021. The import volume stood at 2 791 K t, reflecting a 16.0% year-over-year reduction. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 22%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 2 791 K t, following a substantial increase of 25.6% in 2019—the largest rise during these years.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Argentina was the predominant source for Chile's maize imports in volume terms, holding an 86.3% share of total flows. Other trading partners accounted for the remaining volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Chile's maize import value continued to rise for the third consecutive year in 2021, reaching 707.6 M $ US. This represented a 22.4% increase compared to the prior year. Over the 2018–2021 period, import value grew by 77.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Argentina remained the leading supplier of maize to Chile in value terms, accounting for 83.1% of total imports. The remainder was distributed among various other countries.

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

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