Maize market in Nicaragua

Earlier Report Observations

The maize market in Nicaragua expanded from 615 thousand tons in 2018 to 892 thousand tons in 2022, driven primarily by rising imports which offset fluctuations in domestic production. This growth was supported by long-standing trade policies such as the elimination of the Temporary Protection Tariff for maize, which maintained open import quotas, and by state initiatives like the National Production, Consumption and Trade Plans that provided technical assistance and support to small producers. Private sector activity also contributed, with companies like DISAGRO developing hybrid seeds adapted to local conditions and Agricorp expanding distribution routes for maize-based products.

After peaking in 2022, the market volume contracted to 817 thousand tons in 2023 as both domestic production and imports declined. In response to supply concerns, the government authorized tariff-rate quotas for the import of yellow maize to meet demand and prevent shortages. National plans for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 continued to emphasize increasing maize output through research, funding for cooperatives, and the adoption of climate-resilient technologies.

Throughout the period, Nicaragua's maize market remained influenced by a consistent policy framework aimed at food security and agricultural modernization, with periodic adjustments to import regulations to balance domestic production with consumption needs.

Production maize in Nicaragua

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize, 2017-2020

In 2019, Nicaragua's maize production increased by 1.2%, but in 2020 it declined to 371 100 tonnes, marking a 7.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 9.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.1%.

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

Exports maize from Nicaragua

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for maize showed significant volatility during this period. In 2017, exports hit their lowest point, while in 2019 they peaked at 4 400 tonnes, creating an 18-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports dropped to 1 200 tonnes, a sharp 72.9% decrease year-over-year. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a dramatic rise of 362.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Honduras and El Salvador were the primary destinations for Nicaragua's maize exports, together accounting for 96.7% of the total volume. Other countries made up the remaining share, forming a more diversified but less significant portion of the export market.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values for maize displayed an unstable trend over these years. In 2017, values were at their lowest, while in 2019 they reached a high of 869 000 US dollars, resulting in a 12.3-fold variation. In 2020, export value fell to 255 000 US dollars, down 70.7% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a substantial rise of 326.6%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Honduras and El Salvador dominated Nicaragua's maize export market in value terms, jointly representing 94.7% of total export flows. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

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

Imports maize to Nicaragua

Imports in kind, K t

Maize imports into Nicaragua grew for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 407 500 tonnes, a 46.0% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports rose by 77.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 21.1%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 220 800 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 3.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Brazil were the main sources of Nicaragua's maize imports, together accounting for 99.7% of the total volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Maize imports into Nicaragua increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, with import value reaching 84 418 000 US dollars, a 44.0% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 90.5%, equating to an average annual increase of 24.0%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, the United States and Brazil dominated Nicaragua's maize import market in value terms, jointly representing 99.0% of total import flows.

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

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