Maize market in Eswatini

Earlier Report Observations

The maize market in Eswatini experienced considerable volatility from 2018 to 2023, with overall growth from 230 thousand tonnes to a peak of 285 thousand tonnes in 2022, followed by a decline to 245 thousand tonnes in 2023. This pattern was marked by fluctuating domestic production and a steady reliance on imports to meet consumption needs.

Domestic maize production declined significantly in 2019 and 2020, dropping to 87 thousand tonnes, before recovering to 127 thousand tonnes in 2022 and then falling sharply to 85 thousand tonnes in 2023. Imports remained consistently high throughout the period, increasing from 118 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 186 thousand tonnes in 2020 and stabilizing around 160 thousand tonnes thereafter, which helped sustain market volume despite production swings.

The period highlighted a growing dependency on imported maize, with imports often compensating for shortfalls in local output, leading to an expanded market size by 2022 before the contraction in 2023.

Production maize in Eswatini

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize, 2017-2020

Maize production in Eswatini declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 87.0 K t of maize, which represents an 8.4% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 113.0 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 15.9%. Conversely, the most significant increase was observed in 2018, with a 34.5% rise.

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

Exports maize from Eswatini

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. In 2019, exports reached their peak, while in 2020 they hit their lowest point, showing a fourfold difference between these years. In 2020, maize deliveries from Eswatini amounted to 0.1 K t, marking a dramatic decline of 74.7% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.6 K t. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 32.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two leading markets—South Africa and Mozambique—together accounted for 84.8% of total exports in kind. The remaining volume was distributed among a wide range of other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Maize volumes exported from Eswatini declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 60 K $ US of maize, representing a sharp decline of 77.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 81.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 42.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ghana and Mozambique continued to lead the list of markets for exports in value terms, together accounting for 80.8% of total flows. Other partners played a supplementary role.

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

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

Imports maize to Eswatini

Imports in kind, K t

The volume of maize imports to Eswatini increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 185.6 K t, up by 23.8% from a year earlier. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 55.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 117.8 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a 1.1% decrease. The most significant increase was recorded in 2019, with a 27.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical pattern of imports in kind reflected a strong dependence on South Africa, which absorbed 99.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Maize deliveries to Eswatini increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 37 644 K $ US, showing a sharp increase of 26.6% from a year earlier. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 50.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 22 854 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with an 8.9% decrease. The most significant increase was recorded in 2019, with a 30.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, 97.0% of total imports in value terms of maize to Eswatini was directed to South Africa, making this market overwhelmingly dominant.

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

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