China: Maize Market 2023

Maize Market Size in China

The Chinese maize market was estimated at $X in 2021, rising by 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Maize Production in China

In value terms, maize production reached $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, showed a noticeable descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 2.9%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

In 2021, the average maize yield in China dropped slightly to X tons per ha, almost unchanged from 2020 figures. Over the period under review, the yield, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 3.5%. The maize yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2020, and then contracted in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The maize harvested area in China was estimated at X ha in 2021, standing approx. at 2020 figures. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the harvested area increased by 21%. As a result, the harvested area reached the peak level of X ha. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the maize harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Maize Exports

Exports from China

In 2021, the amount of maize exported from China skyrocketed to X tons, jumping by 172% against the previous year. In general, exports, however, showed a precipitous setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 1,262%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, maize exports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, faced a precipitous setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 569%. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Zambia (X tons), Lao People's Democratic Republic (X tons) and Vietnam (X tons) were the main destinations of maize exports from China, together accounting for 84% of total exports. Russia, Angola, Tajikistan, Taiwan (Chinese) and the Netherlands lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 14%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Taiwan (Chinese) (with a CAGR of +328.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Vietnam ($X) remains the key foreign market for maize exports from China, comprising 59% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Zambia ($X), with an 18% share of total exports. It was followed by Lao People's Democratic Republic, with a 9.9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Vietnam stood at +24.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Zambia (0.0% per year) and Lao People's Democratic Republic (+13.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average maize export price amounted to $X per ton, reducing by -38% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the average export price increased by 353% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton, and then fell sharply in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Vietnam ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Russia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the Netherlands (+101.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Maize Imports

Imports into China

For the third year in a row, China recorded growth in overseas purchases of maize, which increased by 438% to X tons in 2021. Over the period under review, imports posted a significant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 455%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, maize imports surged to $X in 2021. In general, imports recorded prominent growth. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the United States (X tons) was the main maize supplier to China, accounting for a 96% share of total imports. Moreover, maize imports from the United States exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Ukraine (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from the United States amounted to +21.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Ukraine (+80.6% per year) and Myanmar (-15.6% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of maize to China, comprising 70% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Ukraine ($X), with a 29% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the United States amounted to +15.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Ukraine (+81.3% per year) and Myanmar (-26.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average maize import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, declining by -39.9% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a perceptible decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 an increase of 75%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Ukraine ($X per ton), while the price for the United States ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ukraine (+0.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :