Maize market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. maize market volume fluctuated in the early part of the period, declining from 376.1 million metric tons in 2018 to 358.2 million metric tons in 2019 before recovering to 370.9 million metric tons in 2020.

A significant expansion occurred in 2021, with market volume rising by 6.3% to 394.4 million metric tons. This growth was primarily driven by increased demand from the biofuel sector, particularly for ethanol production, coupled with improved yields from modern agricultural techniques. The following year, however, saw an 8.9% contraction to 359.2 million metric tons, largely due to supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions that introduced volatility and constrained agricultural output.

The market rebounded strongly in 2023, reaching 402.4 million metric tons, a 12.0% increase. This recovery was supported by the implementation of the U.S. Farm Bill, which provided subsidies and crop insurance to farmers, and by sustained high demand for corn in ethanol manufacturing, which accounts for approximately 40% of total consumption.

Production maize in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, M t

Top producers of maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize, 2017-2020

Northern America's maize production increased after two years of decline. In 2020, the region produced 372.0 million tonnes of maize, marking a 3.5% year-over-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 3.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 359.4 million tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 5.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, M t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Maize production in Northern America increased following a two-year decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 83 344 million US dollars, representing a 15.4% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 6.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 72 245 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 5.1%.

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

Exports maize from Northern America

Exports in kind, K t

Maize shipments from Northern America to abroad declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1 113 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 7.5% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 27.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.1%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 084 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 36.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 42.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ireland, Spain, and the United Kingdom were the main markets for maize exports from Northern America. Ireland accounted for 35.4% of exports in kind, Spain for 16.0%, and the United Kingdom for 10.6%. Together, these three countries represented 62.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, foreign maize supplies from Northern America amounted to 249.3 million US dollars, showing a modest increase of 3.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 19.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 241.8 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 408.1 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 40.8%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 31.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Ireland, Spain, and the United Kingdom formed the core of maize exports from Northern America in value terms. Ireland held a 29.6% share, Spain 13.6%, and the United Kingdom 8.9%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 52.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports maize to Northern America

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 159-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Northern America's maize imports totaled 25 thousand tonnes, showing a sharp decline of 67.9% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 98.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 55.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, Romania, and Russia were the leading suppliers of maize to Northern America. Brazil and Romania each accounted for 0.6% of imports in kind, while Russia held 0.5%. Together, these three countries represented 1.7% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Foreign maize supplies to Northern America declined after two years of increase. In 2020, imports reached 453.9 million US dollars, down by 13.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 42.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 525.4 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 57.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile dominated the list of maize suppliers to Northern America, accounting for 1.3% of total imports in value terms.

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

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