Maize Grain Suppliers, Trade & Prices — Market Overview 2026
Sub Product
Popcorn Kernel, Seed Maize, White Corn, Yellow Corn
Derived Products
Bourbon, Cheese-Flavored Corn Puff, Flavored Roasted Corn Snacks, Irish Whiskey, +12
HS Code
1005
Last Updated
2026-09-27
Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
- Maize Grain market coverage spans 175 countries.
- 11,282 exporter companies and 10,172 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
- 47,535 supplier-linked transactions are summarized across the top 20 countries.
- Wholesale sample entries: 5; farmgate sample entries: 5.
- Latest reference year in this page dataset is 2026.
- Page data last updated on 2026-09-27.
Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Maize Grain
Analyze 47,535 supplier-linked transactions across the top 20 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Maize Grain.
Maize Grain Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum
Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Maize Grain to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Maize Grain: Mexico (+135.7%), Uganda (-83.1%), United Kingdom (-74.0%).
Maize Grain Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary
As of 2025-11, benchmark Maize Grain country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2026-04, countries with visible Maize Grain transaction unit prices: Chile (2.52 USD / kg), Mexico (2.47 USD / kg), France (2.24 USD / kg), Peru (1.44 USD / kg), Brazil (0.67 USD / kg), 10 more countries.
| Country | YoY Change | Transaction Count | 2025-11 | 2025-12 | 2026-01 | 2026-02 | 2026-03 | 2026-04 | 2026-05 | 2026-06 | 2026-07 | 2026-08 | 2026-09 | 2026-10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | +4.0% | 5,375 | 0.22 USD / kg (1,852,942,411.869 kg) | 0.23 USD / kg (2,588,788,599.251 kg) | 0.22 USD / kg (995,687,509.332 kg) | 0.22 USD / kg (687,128,104.992 kg) | 0.22 USD / kg (741,498,742.591 kg) | 0.22 USD / kg (847,090,804.073 kg) | ||||||
| Ukraine | +16.7% | 3,349 | 0.21 USD / kg (2,895,797,333.042 kg) | 0.21 USD / kg (3,467,960,170.963 kg) | - (-) | 0.24 USD / kg (53,334,364.047 kg) | - (-) | 0.26 USD / kg (100,097,364 kg) | ||||||
| Peru | -11.1% | 1,929 | 1.77 USD / kg (1,742,234.329 kg) | 1.79 USD / kg (1,393,463.839 kg) | 1.71 USD / kg (720,341.221 kg) | 1.87 USD / kg (691,625.84 kg) | 1.47 USD / kg (3,954,778.031 kg) | 1.44 USD / kg (3,767,015.209 kg) | ||||||
| India | -11.0% | 13,982 | 0.26 USD / kg (137,352,419.576 kg) | 0.26 USD / kg (113,285,399.39 kg) | 0.27 USD / kg (178,307,774.744 kg) | 0.24 USD / kg (149,293,784.785 kg) | 0.28 USD / kg (46,479,313.994 kg) | 0.27 USD / kg (31,556,467.345 kg) | ||||||
| Argentina | +6.2% | 10,584 | 0.21 USD / kg (4,864,582,935.357 kg) | 0.21 USD / kg (4,069,845,275.118 kg) | 0.21 USD / kg (2,957,682,501.802 kg) | 0.21 USD / kg (2,952,518,582.489 kg) | 0.21 USD / kg (11,740,516,714.999 kg) | 0.21 USD / kg (9,947,141,845.752 kg) | ||||||
| South Africa | +19.6% | 2,308 | 0.31 USD / kg (12,012,538.909 kg) | 0.28 USD / kg (12,155,009.29 kg) | 0.29 USD / kg (11,319,219.423 kg) | 0.28 USD / kg (9,867,103.84 kg) | 0.45 USD / kg (1,507,269.993 kg) | 0.46 USD / kg (1,507,269.993 kg) | ||||||
| Brazil | -18.0% | 1,296 | 0.23 USD / kg (513,716,838.825 kg) | 0.24 USD / kg (732,189,286.958 kg) | 0.24 USD / kg (541,187,703.405 kg) | 0.23 USD / kg (79,288,303.999 kg) | 0.20 USD / kg (1,482,467.099 kg) | 0.67 USD / kg (1,953,510.94 kg) | ||||||
| Paraguay | +11.2% | 709 | 0.19 USD / kg (231,076,204 kg) | 0.20 USD / kg (65,882,250 kg) | 0.22 USD / kg (41,207,190 kg) | 0.22 USD / kg (17,496,468 kg) | 0.23 USD / kg (10,604,000 kg) | 0.24 USD / kg (7,443,820 kg) | ||||||
| Uruguay | -61.1% | 264 | 0.21 USD / kg (267,406,780 kg) | 0.21 USD / kg (585,782,260 kg) | 0.22 USD / kg (70,763,080 kg) | 0.22 USD / kg (252,147,343 kg) | 0.21 USD / kg (243,808,968 kg) | 0.21 USD / kg (119,059,321 kg) | ||||||
| France | -17.1% | 248 | 2.01 USD / kg (191,926.718 kg) | 2.21 USD / kg (1,067,195.416 kg) | 2.04 USD / kg (28,333 kg) | 2.98 USD / kg (5,490.4 kg) | 2.65 USD / kg (7.92 kg) | 2.24 USD / kg (8.04 kg) |
Maize Grain Global Supply Chain Coverage
21,454 companies
11,282 exporters and 10,172 importers are mapped for Maize Grain.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Maize Grain, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.
Maize Grain Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals
11,282 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Maize Grain. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.
Maize Grain Verified Export Suppliers and Premium Partners
8 premium Maize Grain suppliers include country, industry, and contactability signals to prioritize credible export partners faster.
CARGILL SOCIEDAD ANONIMA COMERCIAL E INDUSTRIAL
Argentina
Crop Production, Food Manufacturing
Nidera S.A.
Argentina
Beverage Manufacturing, Food Manufacturing, Food Packaging, Food Wholesalers
Sarthvaha Globalbiz Private Limited
India
Contact
Food Packaging, Food Wholesalers, Online Retail And Fulfillment, Brokers And Trade Agencies, Others
Kadu Agro Exports Ltd
Uganda
Contact
Others
Davis Trade & Commodities
United States
Brokers And Trade Agencies
TANK ORGANISATION'S (T.O)
Burkina Faso
Contact
-
AP Grand Edge Nig. Ltd
Nigeria
Contact
Food Wholesalers
Louis Dreyfus Company Juices
United States
Beverage Manufacturing, Food Manufacturing
Become a Premium Supplier to join the Tridge Supply Chain Network and advance your marketing and export channel strategy.
Maize Grain Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles
Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 11,282 total exporter companies in the Maize Grain supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(Argentina)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-06-30
Recently Export Partner Companies: 36
Employee Size: 51 - 100 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 1M - 5M
Industries: Brokers And Trade Agencies
Value Chain Roles: Trade
Exporting Countries: Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Brazil, Chile, China, Peru, Algeria, Egypt, Vietnam
Supplying Products: Maize Grain, Wheat Grain, Dried Soybean +5
(Argentina)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-01-06
Recently Export Partner Companies: 53
Employee Size: Over 1000 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD Over 1B
Industries: Crop Production, Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale, Farming / Production / Processing / Packing, Food Manufacturing, Trade
Exporting Countries: Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Taiwan, Ecuador, Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Peru, India
Supplying Products: Soybean Meal, Maize Grain, Soybean Oil +5
(Argentina)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-06-30
Recently Export Partner Companies: 57
Employee Size: Over 1000 Employees
Industries: Beverage Manufacturing, Food Manufacturing, Food Packaging, Food Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale, Food Manufacturing, Trade
Exporting Countries: Italy, Indonesia, Mozambique, Chile, Bangladesh, Algeria, Vietnam, Peru, China, India
Supplying Products: Maize Grain, Soybean Meal, Soybean Oil +5
(Argentina)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-06-30
Recently Export Partner Companies: 33
Employee Size: Over 1000 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD Over 1B
Industries: Beverage Manufacturing, Crop Production, Food Manufacturing, Food Packaging, Food Services And Drinking Places
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale, Farming / Production / Processing / Packing, Food Manufacturing, Retail, Trade
Exporting Countries: Algeria, Malaysia, Morocco, China, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Chile, Vietnam, India
Supplying Products: Soybean Meal, Maize Grain, Soybean Oil +5
(Argentina)
Latest Export Transaction: 2025-12-30
Recently Export Partner Companies: 37
Employee Size: Over 1000 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD Over 1B
Industries: Animal Production, Crop Production, Food Manufacturing, Food Packaging, Food Wholesalers, Others
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale, Farming / Production / Processing / Packing, Food Manufacturing, Logistics, Trade
Exporting Countries: Philippines, Egypt, Poland, Peru, Bangladesh, Chile, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, India
Supplying Products: Soybean Oil, Soybean Meal, Maize Grain +5
(Argentina)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-07-21
Recently Export Partner Companies: 47
Employee Size: Over 1000 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD Over 1B
Industries: Beverage Manufacturing, Crop Production, Food Manufacturing, Food Packaging, Food Services And Drinking Places
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / Wholesale, Farming / Production / Processing / Packing, Food Manufacturing
Exporting Countries: Egypt, Canada, Netherlands, Peru, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Chile, Vietnam, India
Supplying Products: Soybean Meal, Soybean Oil, Maize Grain +5
See the full picture in Tridge Eye: full price and trade history · 725,009+ company profiles
Maize Grain Global Exporter Coverage
11,282 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Maize Grain supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Maize Grain opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.
Top Exporting Countries for Maize Grain (HS Code 1005) in 2024
For Maize Grain in 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 10 supplier countries to map core supply structure.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 125,180,640,400 kg | 28,684,082,872 USD |
| 2 | Brazil | 79,566,361,330.752 kg | 16,359,238,020 USD |
| 3 | Argentina | 64,113,792,297.12 kg | 13,101,086,748.64 USD |
| 4 | Ukraine | 69,593,919,371.11 kg | 12,233,414,196.5 USD |
| 5 | Romania | 5,771,509,420.02 kg | 1,780,452,040.1 USD |
| 6 | South Africa | 7,544,161,364.268 kg | 1,725,926,193.916 USD |
| 7 | Poland | 6,684,336,274.73 kg | 1,546,018,528 USD |
| 8 | Myanmar [Burma] | 5,521,212,000 kg | 1,383,664,073.554 USD |
| 9 | Canada | 4,623,813,954 kg | 975,172,117.824 USD |
| 10 | Hungary | 2,466,326,427 kg | 826,036,910 USD |
Maize Grain Export Trade Flow and Partner Country Summary
Track Maize Grain exporter-to-importer flows by value, volume, and share to uncover high-potential export routes.
Sourcing diagnosis
Where should you be sourcing Maize Grain from?
Just tell us your spec and the volume you need. We'll check whether it's actually sourceable, and which origins and suppliers fit.
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Maize Grain Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks
10,172 importer companies are mapped for Maize Grain demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.
Maize Grain Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners
Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 10,172 total importer companies tracked for Maize Grain. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
(Mexico)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-02-01
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 11 - 50 Employees
Industries: Food Manufacturing, Freight Forwarding And Intermodal
Value Chain Roles: -
(Switzerland)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-12-30
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Brokers And Trade Agencies
Value Chain Roles: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, South Korea, India
(Mexico)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-12-26
Recently Import Partner Companies: 5
Industries: Animal Production, Crop Production, Food Manufacturing, Food Services And Drinking Places
Value Chain Roles: United States, Switzerland, Peru, Uruguay, Honduras, Panama, Mexico
(Switzerland)
Latest Import Transaction: 2025-12-31
Recently Import Partner Companies: 3
Industries: Brokers And Trade Agencies
Value Chain Roles: Bangladesh
(Peru)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-07-31
Recently Import Partner Companies: 4
Industries: Brokers And Trade Agencies, Food Manufacturing, Food Packaging
Value Chain Roles: -
(Colombia)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-06-26
Recently Import Partner Companies: 6
Employee Size: Over 1000 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 50M - 100M
Industries: Animal Production, Food Manufacturing, Food Packaging, Others
Value Chain Roles: Netherlands, Aruba, Panama, Ecuador, Colombia
See the full picture in Tridge Eye: full price and trade history · 725,009+ company profiles
Global Importer Coverage
10,172 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Maize Grain.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Maize Grain buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.
Top Import Demand Countries for Maize Grain (HS Code 1005) in 2024
For Maize Grain in 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 10 demand countries to identify priority markets.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 30,553,257,833.23 kg | 7,877,771,281.609 USD |
| 2 | South Korea | 22,683,364,672.37 kg | 5,796,517,294 USD |
| 3 | Italy | 14,779,412,113.306 kg | 3,587,827,838.439 USD |
| 4 | Netherlands | 10,238,580,484.638 kg | 2,567,400,441.744 USD |
| 5 | Egypt | 9,181,494,385.602 kg | 2,256,770,120.279 USD |
| 6 | Turkiye | 9,021,303,634 kg | 2,063,463,496 USD |
| 7 | Malaysia | 8,058,842,402.9 kg | 2,060,164,787.1 USD |
| 8 | Germany | 5,350,908,215.854 kg | 1,912,533,264.545 USD |
| 9 | Mexico | 7,782,947,244 kg | 1,820,769,948 USD |
| 10 | United Kingdom | 5,651,447,842 kg | 1,544,070,988.514 USD |
Maize Grain Import Trade Flow and Origin Country Summary
Analyze Maize Grain origin-to-destination trade flows by value, volume, and share to monitor demand-side sourcing channels.
Export diagnosis
Your Maize Grain — which buyers could it sell to?
Just tell us what you make. We'll see whether you're ready to export today and which markets suit your offer.
Free diagnosis, no account required.
Global Wholesale Supplier Price Trends by Country for Maize Grain
Maize Grain Monthly Wholesale Supplier Price Summary by Country
Monthly Maize Grain wholesale unit-price benchmarks by country for export and sourcing decisions.
In 2026-04, countries with visible Maize Grain wholesale unit prices: Mexico (1.02 USD / kg), South Africa (0.20 USD / kg), India (0.19 USD / kg), Brazil (0.18 USD / kg).
| Country | 2025-11 | 2025-12 | 2026-01 | 2026-02 | 2026-03 | 2026-04 | 2026-05 | 2026-06 | 2026-07 | 2026-08 | 2026-09 | 2026-10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 0.58 USD / kg | 0.54 USD / kg | 0.34 USD / kg | 0.35 USD / kg | 0.35 USD / kg | - | ||||||
| Brazil | 0.17 USD / kg | 0.18 USD / kg | 0.17 USD / kg | 0.17 USD / kg | 0.17 USD / kg | 0.18 USD / kg | ||||||
| India | 0.20 USD / kg | 0.20 USD / kg | 0.19 USD / kg | 0.18 USD / kg | 0.18 USD / kg | 0.19 USD / kg | ||||||
| Mexico | 0.95 USD / kg | 0.95 USD / kg | 0.97 USD / kg | 1.00 USD / kg | 0.98 USD / kg | 1.02 USD / kg | ||||||
| South Africa | - | 0.21 USD / kg | 0.21 USD / kg | 0.21 USD / kg | - | 0.20 USD / kg |
Maize Grain Wholesale Price Competitiveness by Major Exporting Countries
Compare Maize Grain wholesale price ranges and YoY changes across the top 5 exporting countries to benchmark supplier price competitiveness.
| Rank | Country | Average | Lower | Upper | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 0.48 USD / kg | 0.18 USD / kg | 1.21 USD / kg | +0.3% |
| 2 | Brazil | 0.17 USD / kg | 0.16 USD / kg | 0.22 USD / kg | +0.1% |
| 3 | India | 0.14 USD / kg | 0.00 USD / kg | 0.35 USD / kg | -46.6% |
| 4 | Mexico | 0.96 USD / kg | 0.30 USD / kg | 2.81 USD / kg | +15.4% |
| 5 | South Africa | 0.21 USD / kg | 0.20 USD / kg | 0.22 USD / kg | -79.8% |
Latest Maize Grain Wholesale Export Price Updates
Use the latest 5 Maize Grain wholesale updates to validate current export price points and origin-level supplier changes.
| Date | Entry Name | Unit Price (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-01 | MAI* * ********* ***** ******* ****** | 2.30 USD / kg | |
| 2026-09-01 | 옥수수 ******* * *** ** ***** **** | 47.69 USD / kg | |
| 2026-09-01 | Mil** ***** * ******* ***** ** ******* | 13.77 USD / kg | |
| 2026-09-01 | MAI** ******* * ************ ****** | 27.21 USD / kg | |
| 2026-09-01 | 玉米（*** * ***** ************* *** *** | 0.57 USD / kg |
Price data
Which Maize Grain prices do you need?
We'll open up the full price history and competitor benchmarks. Just tell us which numbers you need and we'll walk you through them.
Global Farmgate Supplier Price Trends by Country for Maize Grain
Maize Grain Monthly Farmgate Supplier Price Summary by Country
Monthly Maize Grain farmgate unit-price benchmarks by country to monitor supplier-side cost movement.
In 2026-04, countries with visible Maize Grain farmgate unit prices: Brazil (0.20 USD / kg).
Maize Grain Farmgate Cost Trends by Major Exporting Supplier Countries
Compare Maize Grain farmgate price levels and YoY changes across the top 2 exporting countries to understand origin-side supplier cost structure.
Latest Maize Grain Farmgate Export Cost Updates
Review the latest 5 Maize Grain farmgate updates to monitor origin-side export cost and supplier pricing shifts.
| Date | Entry Name | Unit Price (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-01 | Mai** ***** * * **** * | 12.02 USD / kg | |
| 2026-04-01 | Mai** ***** * * **** * | 13.10 USD / kg | |
| 2026-04-01 | Mai** ***** * * **** * | 12.37 USD / kg | |
| 2026-04-01 | Mai** ***** * * **** * | 11.11 USD / kg | |
| 2026-04-01 | Mai** ***** * * **** * | 11.79 USD / kg |
Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDry
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Commodity GroupCereal grain
Scientific NameZea mays
PerishabilityLow (when adequately dried and stored)
Growing Conditions
- Warm-season crop requiring a frost-free growing period
- Yield and quality are sensitive to heat and water stress during flowering and grain fill
- Cultivated under both rainfed and irrigated systems depending on region
Main VarietiesDent corn, Flint corn, Yellow maize (commercial trade category), White maize (commercial trade category)
Consumption Forms
- Animal feed (whole grain and compound feed)
- Wet milling into starch, sweeteners, and ethanol (with co-products)
- Dry milling into grits and flour (food and industrial uses)
Grading Factors
- Moisture content
- Test weight/bulk density
- Broken kernels and foreign material
- Damage (including mold/heat damage)
- Mycotoxin risk indicators depending on market requirements
Market
Maize (corn) grain is a globally traded staple used primarily for animal feed, industrial starch processing, and biofuel (ethanol) production, with trade flows strongly shaped by policy-driven demand and logistics. Global production is concentrated in a small set of large producers—especially the United States, China, Brazil, Argentina, and Ukraine—while export supply is dominated by the Americas and, when logistics allow, the Black Sea region. Major import demand comes from large feed and livestock markets in East Asia and the Americas, and from parts of the EU and North Africa. Prices and availability are highly sensitive to weather shocks in the main producing regions, phytosanitary/quality constraints (including mycotoxins), and corridor disruptions affecting Black Sea exports.
Market GrowthMixed (medium-term outlook)cyclical, policy- and weather-driven swings with long-run demand anchored by feed and industrial uses
Major Producing Countries
- United StatesLargest producer and a key swing supplier to global trade; production concentrated in the Midwest Corn Belt.
- ChinaMajor producer largely oriented to domestic feed and industrial demand; import needs can shift with policy and stock dynamics.
- BrazilLarge and growing producer with exportable surpluses; second-crop (safrinha) output is central to export availability.
- ArgentinaMajor producer and exporter; output and export pace are sensitive to weather and macro/trade policy conditions.
- UkraineImportant producer and exporter into Europe, North Africa, and Asia; logistics conditions materially affect trade flows.
Major Exporting Countries
- United StatesCore exporter supplying a wide set of markets; export competitiveness is closely tied to freight and domestic demand (feed/ethanol).
- BrazilHigh-volume exporter with strong second-half-of-year availability tied to safrinha harvest and inland logistics.
- ArgentinaLarge exporter; export taxes, FX policy, and river logistics can influence shipment timing and pricing.
- UkraineHistorically a major exporter; Black Sea and alternative corridor constraints can re-route flows and raise delivered costs.
Major Importing Countries
- ChinaA top import market when domestic supply is tight and feed demand is strong; purchases can be episodic and price-sensitive.
- MexicoLarge importer linked to feed and industrial use; cross-border and seaborne flows can both matter depending on prices.
- JapanLarge, quality- and reliability-focused import market for feed grains.
- South KoreaSignificant feed grain importer; procurement commonly via tenders and contract specifications.
- SpainMajor EU importer driven by livestock feed demand; EU regulatory requirements shape acceptable origins and specifications.
Supply Calendar
- United States (Corn Belt):Sep, Oct, NovMain harvest and post-harvest export availability period; storage and rail/river logistics influence shipment flow.
- Brazil (safrinha / second crop):Jun, Jul, AugSecond-crop harvest supports major export availability in mid-year; inland transport capacity to ports is a key constraint.
- Argentina:Mar, Apr, May, JunHarvest and early-shipment window; Paraná river conditions can affect export logistics.
- Ukraine:Sep, OctAutumn harvest; export timing depends on corridor availability and inland transport.
- South Africa:May, Jun, JulSouthern Hemisphere harvest window; role in global trade is smaller but relevant for regional balance.
Specification
Major VarietiesYellow dent corn (feed/industrial), White corn (food and some feed markets), Flint-type corn (selected regional markets)
Physical Attributes
- Kernel color (yellow/white) and uniformity
- Broken kernels and foreign material (BFM) levels
- Odor and evidence of heating/caking from poor storage
Compositional Metrics
- Moisture content as a core storage and shipment parameter
- Test weight/bulk density used in trading specifications
- Mycotoxin risk management (e.g., aflatoxins, fumonisins, deoxynivalenol) as a frequent buyer requirement
Grades
- U.S. corn grades (e.g., U.S. No. 2 Yellow Corn) referenced in many international contracts
- Contract-specific specifications under international grain trade contract frameworks (e.g., GAFTA terms) rather than a single universal grade
Packaging
- Bulk shipments via rail/truck to export elevators and ocean vessels (Panamax/Handysize depending on route and port)
- Containerized shipments for smaller lots or identity-preserved/non-GM/specialty cargoes
- Bagged shipments in some regional and food-grade channels
ProcessingSuitable for dry milling (grits/flour) and wet milling (starch, sweeteners, ethanol co-products) depending on quality and end-use specifications
Supply Chain
Value Chain
- Harvest -> drying -> on-farm/commercial storage -> inland transport (truck/rail/barge) -> export elevator inspection/loading -> ocean freight -> import terminal -> feed milling, wet milling, or food milling
Demand Drivers
- Livestock and aquaculture feed demand
- Industrial starch and sweetener manufacturing (wet milling)
- Biofuel policy and blending mandates influencing ethanol demand and co-product markets (e.g., DDGS)
- Price competitiveness versus alternative feed grains (wheat, barley, sorghum)
Temperature
- Drying and storage temperature/aeration management reduces insect pressure and spoilage risk in large bins and elevators
- Hot-spot monitoring in storage and during transit helps prevent heating, quality deterioration, and claims
Shelf Life
- Shelf life is long when grain is adequately dried and protected from moisture ingress; quality can degrade rapidly with high moisture, heat, or pest infestation
- Storage performance and mycotoxin risk are closely linked to field weather near harvest and post-harvest handling
Risks
Climate HighGlobal exportable maize supply is highly sensitive to weather shocks in a small set of key producing regions (notably the U.S. Midwest and Brazil’s second-crop areas). Drought, heat stress, and unfavorable rainfall timing can rapidly tighten global balances, drive price spikes, and force importers to switch origins or substitute other feed grains.Diversify origin coverage across the Americas and other suppliers where feasible, use price risk management (hedging/forward coverage), and maintain contingency plans for alternative feed grains and shipment routes.
Geopolitics MediumDisruptions to Black Sea logistics and trade corridors can materially reduce available supply from Ukraine and raise delivered costs to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, increasing reliance on more distant origins and tightening freight capacity.Pre-qualify alternative origins and routes, monitor corridor status and insurance constraints, and build contractual flexibility on delivery windows and ports where possible.
Food Safety MediumMycotoxin contamination risk varies by season and origin, and can trigger rejections, blending costs, or restricted use (food vs feed). Importing markets may enforce contaminant limits and testing regimes that effectively constrain tradable supply during problem crop years.Specify testing requirements and maximum limits in contracts, use origin/season risk screening, and implement segregation and traceability programs for higher-risk lots.
Regulatory Compliance MediumDifferences in GMO/biotech approval status, labeling requirements, and maximum residue limits (MRLs) across importing markets can constrain destination options and create cargo re-direction risk, particularly for identity-preserved non-GM programs.Align seed trait status and documentation to destination requirements, maintain identity-preserved supply chains when needed, and include contractual clauses for regulatory-change contingencies.
Sustainability
- Greenhouse gas emissions and energy use associated with fertilizer production and on-farm fuel use
- Nutrient runoff and water quality impacts where fertilizer use and soil erosion are not well managed
- Land-use change risk in some expansion frontiers, with increased scrutiny from buyers and regulators in certain markets
Labor & Social
- Price volatility and input-cost shocks can pressure smallholders and feed-dependent livestock sectors, with downstream food affordability sensitivity in import-dependent regions
FAQ
Which countries are the most important maize grain exporters globally?The most important maize exporters in global trade include the United States, Brazil, Argentina, and Ukraine; these origins collectively shape the bulk of exportable supply and set benchmark pricing dynamics.
Why is the global maize market so price-volatile?Maize prices are highly sensitive to weather-driven yield shocks in key producing regions (especially the United States and Brazil) and to policy-driven demand (notably biofuel/ethanol). Trade-route disruptions—such as constraints on Black Sea corridors—can further tighten delivered supply and amplify volatility.
What quality parameters are commonly specified in international maize trade?Common specifications include moisture content, test weight/bulk density, broken kernels and foreign material, and food safety limits related to mycotoxins. Requirements vary by destination market and end use (feed, food, or industrial processing).
Sources
Maize Grain Country Coverage for Suppliers, Export Flows, and Prices
Explore country-level Maize Grain market pages for supplier coverage, trade flows, and price benchmarks.
All country market pages: Algeria, Italy, France, Vietnam, Romania, Tanzania, Uzbekistan, Bulgaria, Colombia, Ethiopia, Peru, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Andorra, United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Angola, Austria, Australia, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Bangladesh, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Bahrain, Burundi, Benin, Bermuda, Brunei, Bolivia, Bahamas, Bhutan, Botswana, Belize, Canada, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Switzerland, Ivory Coast, Chile, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cape Verde, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Djibouti, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Egypt, Spain, Finland, Fiji, Falkland Islands, Gabon, United Kingdom, Georgia, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Honduras, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Iraq, Iran, Iceland, Jamaica, Jordan, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, South Korea, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Liberia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Libya, Morocco, Moldova, Montenegro, Madagascar, Macedonia, Mali, Myanmar [Burma], Mongolia, Mauritania, Malta, Mauritius, Maldives, Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Netherlands, Norway, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, Portugal, Palau, Paraguay, Qatar, Serbia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, Seychelles, Sudan, Sweden, Singapore, Slovenia, Slovakia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Somalia, Suriname, São Tomé and Príncipe, El Salvador, Syria, Swaziland, Chad, Togo, Tajikistan, East Timor, Turkmenistan, Tunisia, Turkiye, Trinidad and Tobago, Taiwan, Ukraine, Uruguay, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Venezuela, Yemen, Zimbabwe
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