Maize market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The maize market volume in Germany increased from 6.5 million tonnes in 2018 to 7.9 million tonnes in 2019, then declined over the next two years to 6.5 million tonnes in 2022 before recovering to 6.9 million tonnes in 2023. In value terms, the market followed a similar pattern, reaching USD 3.0 billion in 2023 after starting at USD 2.2 billion in 2018.

Domestic maize production rose from 3.3 million tonnes in 2018 to 4.5 million tonnes in 2023, with a notable drop in 2022. Imports fluctuated, peaking at 4.6 million tonnes in 2019 and then falling to 2.7 million tonnes in 2024. Exports expanded significantly in 2021 to 778 thousand tonnes but contracted in the following years.

In 2024, maize imports fell to 2.7 million tonnes, partly due to a 12.9% rise in import prices since 2021, which made foreign maize less competitive. New crop rotation rules under the EU Common Agricultural Policy reform, effective from 2024/2025, also began influencing planting decisions, supporting the expansion of maize cultivation area in Germany.

Production maize in Germany

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany ranked 29th globally in maize production.

Top producers of maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize, 2017-2020

Germany's maize production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 4 020 K t of maize, marking a 9.7% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 11.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.0%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 3 344 K t, with the sharpest drop of 26.5% occurring that same year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Maize production in Germany continued its upward trend for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 619 M $ US, showing a modest 9.2% year-over-year rise. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 10%, averaging a 3.2% annual increase. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 370 M $ US, when production saw its largest decline of 6.9%.

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

Exports maize from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's maize exports rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2020, exports reached 404 K t, up 19.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 span, exports decreased by 19.1%, with an average annual decline of 6.8%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 338 K t, and the most significant drop of 24.5% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Austria were the main buyers of German maize in volume terms, accounting for 43.7%, 32.0%, and 7.3% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries made up 83.0% of Germany's total maize exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Maize exports from Germany recovered after a two-year downturn. In 2020, export value stood at 163 M $ US, a 19.1% increase year-over-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 137 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 11.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland were the primary buyers of German maize in value terms, representing 33.0%, 22.8%, and 6.8% of exports, respectively. Collectively, they accounted for 62.6% of Germany's total maize export value.

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

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

Imports maize to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's maize imports declined after two years of growth. In 2020, imports totaled 4 570 K t, a sharp 16.4% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 49.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.3%. The peak import volume was in 2019 at 4 570 K t, and the largest increase of 38.1% happened in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Ukraine, and Hungary were the leading sources of maize imports to Germany in volume terms, contributing 24.1%, 20.5%, and 16.2% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 60.9% of Germany's total maize import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Maize imports to Germany fell after two years of increase. In 2020, import value amounted to 1 013 M $ US, a modest 10.0% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 span, imports grew by 43.8%, averaging a 12.9% annual rise. The highest value was in 2019 at 1 126 M $ US, with the largest increase of 40.2% occurring in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, France, Poland, and Ukraine were the key partners for Germany's maize imports in value terms, accounting for 28.6%, 18.0%, and 15.4% of imports, respectively. Combined, they made up 62.0% of Germany's total maize import value.

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

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