Maize market in Mozambique

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the maize market in Mozambique grew significantly, with market volume increasing from 1.6 million tonnes to 2.8 million tonnes. This expansion was supported by the rising adoption of improved seeds, which enhanced yields, and the launch of the SUSTENTA program in 2020 that integrated rural families into the value chain and promoted agricultural mechanization. At the same time, greater availability of maize on regional and international markets led to a sharp rise in imports, particularly in 2019 and 2020.

In 2021, above-average maize production resulted in falling grain prices and a dramatic reduction in imports to minimal levels. Processing companies such as DECA in Manica expanded their maize flour production capacity. By 2022, the market recovered to 2.9 million tonnes, fueled by continued growth in certified seed production and government policies protecting national output. The launch of the National Food Fortification Strategy also directed focus toward the quality of maize flour.

Market volume dipped to 2.3 million tonnes in 2023 despite the ongoing positive impact of the Sustenta program, which by then had integrated over 70% of the rural population. Investments in agricultural infrastructure and mechanization continued, yet agro-processing firms faced challenges in placing their produce. In 2024, drought in regions like Tete pushed up maize flour prices, highlighting the market's sensitivity to weather conditions.

Production maize in Mozambique

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize, 2017-2020

Mozambique's maize production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 632 thousand tons of maize, representing a solid 12.4% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 33.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 10.1%.

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

Exports maize from Mozambique

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest maize export volume was recorded in 2019 at 95 tons, while the highest occurred in 2018 at 41 269 tons, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 433 times. In 2020, maize deliveries from Mozambique stood at 13 465 tons, marking a steep uptick of 14,025.0% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 99.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Malawi was the principal market for maize exports from Mozambique, accounting for 71.1% of total exports in kind, while other destinations formed a less significant portion.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. The lowest import level was recorded in 2019 at 58 thousand US dollars, while the high was in 2017, with levels fluctuating 51 times between these extremes. In 2020, Mozambique exported 214 thousand US dollars of maize, marking an increase of 268.3% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 91.5%.

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

Over the period 2017 to 2020, Zimbabwe and Kenya were the dominant buyers of maize from Mozambique, together taking 80.2% of total exports in value terms, with other destinations each accounting for relatively small shares.

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

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

Imports maize to Mozambique

Imports in kind, t

Mozambique's maize imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the import volume amounted to 1 175 694 tons, representing an abrupt uptick of 60.9% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 610.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 92.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Malawi (39.6% of imports in kind), South Africa (34.5% of imports in kind), and Zambia (15.1% of imports in kind) formed the core group of markets for imports in kind, together representing 89.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of maize to Mozambique have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 57 025 thousand US dollars, amounting to a solid increase of 19.2% from a year earlier. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 27.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 41 530 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline in that year at 7.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa remained the leading supplier of maize to Mozambique, accounting for 80.7% of total imports in value terms, while the rest was spread across many other countries.

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

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