Maize market in Indonesia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, maize production in Indonesia increased from 18.84 million tons to 19.65 million tons, supported by government policies promoting intensification and land expansion to boost national output. However, in 2020, production fell sharply to 12.93 million tons as supply chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic affected distribution and farming activities.

Production recovered to 13.42 million tons in 2021, encouraged by the wider adoption of superior seed varieties released by the Ministry of Agriculture. A significant surge followed in 2022, with output reaching 16.53 million tons, driven by high global maize prices due to geopolitical tensions and the implementation of the national quality standard (SNI) to facilitate exports. The trend reversed in 2023 as production declined to 14.77 million tons after dry weather conditions from the El Niño phenomenon affected harvests in several regions.

To balance domestic supply, maize imports rose to 1.75 million tons in 2024, while the government continued to encourage domestic production through intensification and extensification programs. By 2025, imports had decreased to 896 thousand tons.

Production maize in Indonesia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Globally, Indonesia ranked as the 8th largest producer of maize from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of maize, 2018-2021

World map of production of maize, 2018-2021

In 2021, Indonesia produced 13 415 K t of maize, marking a modest increase of 3.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production declined by 28.8%, which translates to an annualized rate of 10.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 19 650 K t, while the lowest was in 2020 at 12 929 K t. The most significant drop occurred in 2020 with a 34.2% decrease, whereas the largest gain was in 2019 with a 4.3% rise.

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

Exports maize from Indonesia

Exports in kind, K t

The market experienced notable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes reached their peak in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2019, representing a 160-fold difference. In 2021, Indonesia's maize exports totaled 3 K t, reflecting a sharp decline of 96.1% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 K t. The most substantial decrease occurred in 2019 with a 99.4% drop, while the largest increase was in 2020 at 3 676.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia's maize exports were heavily reliant on the Philippines, which accounted for 97.8% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export values peaked in 2018 and dropped to their lowest in 2019, with an 81-fold fluctuation. In 2021, Indonesia's maize export value was 4.2 M $ US, down by 74.4% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.9 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 98.8% decrease, while the biggest increase was in 2020 at 1 732.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the Philippines was the dominant market for Indonesia's maize exports in value terms, making up 92.1% of the total.

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

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

Imports maize to Indonesia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, Indonesia imported 996 K t of maize, which is 15.1% higher than the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 35.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 10.5%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 017 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 14.9% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2019 at 37.9%.

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

During 2018–2021, Argentina and Brazil were the primary sources for Indonesia's maize imports, together accounting for 87.9% of total volumes, with other countries contributing smaller shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The market displayed volatility over the observed period. Import values peaked in 2019 and reached their lowest point in 2018, showing a 1.9-fold difference. In 2021, Indonesia's maize import value was 297.3 M $ US, representing a significant rise of 72.2% compared to 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 with an 18.8% decrease.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Argentina and Brazil dominated Indonesia's maize imports in value terms, jointly representing 85.6% of total flows, while the remainder was distributed among smaller markets.

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

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