Maize market in Syria

Earlier Report Observations

The Syrian maize market grew from 375 thousand tons in 2018 to 534 thousand tons in 2019, driven by a doubling of domestic production from 101 thousand tons to 215 thousand tons. This increase in output was supported by the expansion of corn cultivation area from 38 thousand hectares to 57 thousand hectares, as high demand from Turkey and the relative ease of smuggling made maize a more attractive crop for farmers.

In 2020, market volume contracted to 446 thousand tons as imports fell by 31% to 219 thousand tons, due to a sharp rise in prices for imported feed caused by exchange rate instability. Domestic production continued its upward trend, reaching 310 thousand tons in 2021, as the planted area remained at 57 thousand hectares and local demand for feed corn stayed strong.

The market recovered to 598 thousand tons in 2022 and further expanded to 631 thousand tons in 2023, with production surging to 536 thousand tons and 563 thousand tons respectively. This growth was primarily driven by a shift in agricultural policy: in 2023, the Syrian government abandoned crops like cotton and sugar beet in favor of maize, reallocating sown area and boosting harvests.

Production maize in Syria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize, 2017-2020

Syria's maize production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 227.0 K t of maize, marking a 5.4% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 147.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 35.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Syria's maize production has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 151.0 M $ US, representing a significant gain of 35.7% compared to the year before. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 226.8%, with an annualized rate of 48.4%.

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

Exports maize from Syria

Exports in kind, K t

Maize exports from Syria have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 0.0 K t, showing a 15.0% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 71.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 19.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Former Sudan remained the primary destination for Syria's maize exports in kind, accounting for 73.6% of total flows. The rest was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Syria's maize export value has increased for the third year running. In 2020, exports amounted to 23 K $ US, reflecting a 48.0% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 126.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the largest buyers of maize from Syria in value terms were Former Sudan (66.1% of exports), Kuwait (10.7% of exports), and Saudi Arabia (8.4% of exports). Together, these three countries accounted for 85.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports maize to Syria

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Syria's maize import volume declined. In 2020, imports were recorded at 219.1 K t, indicating a sharp decrease of 31.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 18.1%, with an annualized decline rate of 6.4%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 319.0 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 16.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for Syria's maize imports in kind were Turkey (44.2% of imports), Romania (26.9% of imports), and Russia (10.9% of imports). Combined, these three countries made up 82.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of improvement, Syria's maize imports declined. In 2020, imports totaled 48 492 K $ US, representing a strong drop of 21.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 4.1%, with an annualized decline rate of 1.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 61 969 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 13.7%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the main suppliers of maize to Syria in value terms were Turkey (47.8% of imports), Romania (24.9% of imports), and Russia (9.3% of imports). Together, these three countries comprised 82.0% of total import value.

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

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