Maize market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

Domestic maize production in the Netherlands more than doubled from 89 thousand tons in 2018 to 177 thousand tons in 2022, before contracting to 152 thousand tons in 2023. This strong expansion was supported by the adoption of precision farming techniques, such as soil scanning to map field variability and boost yields, as noted in 2018. Furthermore, regulatory measures like the Seventh Nitrate Action Programme in 2019 allowed farmers, under certain conditions, to apply more nitrogen from animal manure, directly supporting crop productivity. The subsequent decline in 2023 coincided with increased attention to farm succession issues and business closures, which can reduce the area dedicated to maize cultivation.

The total market volume for maize in physical terms peaked at 5.5 million tons in 2019 before declining to 4.9 million tons in 2021 and partially recovering to 5.1 million tons in 2022. This fluctuation was primarily driven by a steady decrease in imports, which fell from 6.4 million tons in 2019 to 5.2 million tons in 2023. In value terms, the market grew sharply from $1.1 billion in 2018 to $1.6 billion in 2022, reflecting higher prices, before easing to $1.5 billion in 2023. Climatic factors, including drought and high temperatures highlighted in 2022, posed risks to yields and availability. Concurrently, evolving Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) greening measures and interest in undersowing grass with maize influenced cultivation practices and crop management decisions.

Regulatory developments continued to shape the operating environment. The introduction of the Dutch Environmental Act (Omgevingswet) in January 2024 brought new rules for permits and enforcement in agriculture. For the 2024 season, the mandatory cover crop requirement after maize on sandy and loess soils was maintained, with a sowing deadline extension to October 21 granted due to exceptionally wet weather and a late harvest. Additionally, adjusted fertilizer use norms, including a reduction of the derogation limit to 230 kg of nitrogen per hectare, were implemented, influencing farm-level nutrient management strategies.

Production maize in the Netherlands

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize, 2017-2020

The Netherlands has seen its maize production volume increase for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 165.8 K t of maize, marking an 11.8% rise compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 42.1%, which translates to an annualized rate of 12.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 89.3 K t, when it fell by 23.5%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a significant jump of 66.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The Netherlands has experienced a second consecutive year of growth in maize production value. In 2020, the output of maize was valued at 40 833 K $ US, showing a robust increase of 10.7% from the year before. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 33.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 25 615 K $ US, which represented a decline of 16.4%. The most substantial increase took place in 2019, with a notable rise of 44.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports maize from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, maize exports from the Netherlands declined. In 2020, the export volume amounted to 843 K t, reflecting a decrease of 19.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports overall increased by 9.1%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 2.9%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 048 K t, when exports surged by 34.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium and Germany were the dominant destinations for maize exports from the Netherlands in terms of volume. Belgium accounted for 45.0% of total flows, while Germany made up 38.8%, together forming 83.9% of total exports in kind. Other partners contributed the remaining volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year upward trend, the value of maize exports from the Netherlands fell. In 2020, export value reached 208 M $ US, indicating a solid decline of 20.3% from the year earlier. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 2.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 261 M $ US, when exports rose by 16.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary destinations for maize exports from the Netherlands in value terms were Belgium, Germany, and France. Belgium accounted for 41.6% of exports, Germany for 35.1%, and France for 9.2%, jointly representing 85.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports maize to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, the volume of maize imports into the Netherlands decreased. In 2020, imports amounted to 5 936 K t, which is 7.1% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 14.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 389 K t. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 16.1%.

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

Throughout the period from 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, France, and Brazil were the key partners for maize imports into the Netherlands in terms of volume. Ukraine accounted for 54.1% of imports in kind, France for 14.3%, and Brazil for 8.9%, together making up 77.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of advance, the value of maize imports into the Netherlands declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 1 290 M $ US, down by 4.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 17.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1 355 M $ US. The most significant increase took place in 2018, with a jump of 19.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, France, and Brazil accounted for the largest share of maize imports into the Netherlands in value terms. Ukraine represented 49.7% of imports, France 16.8%, and Brazil 7.3%, together comprising 73.7% of total flows.

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

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