South American Maize Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The South American Maize Market size is estimated at USD 151.33 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 196.85 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.40% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Maize, commonly known as corn, is a staple crop in South America with widespread cultivation across the continent. It serves as both a crucial food source and an important economic crop. Maize is utilized in various forms, including fresh corn and cornmeal, and is a key ingredient in traditional dishes such as arepas and tamales. In modern South American countries like Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, maize remains a vital component of the diet and is celebrated in festivals and traditional cuisine. For instance, in Peru, maize is used to prepare dishes like tamales and humitas, while in Bolivia, it is a primary ingredient in soups and stews. The market growth is driven by several factors, including increasing demand for food crops due to population growth, favorable government policies, and rapid expansion of the ethanol industry. Additionally, the regional dominance in maize exports from countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, fueled by the rising global demand for corn as animal feed, is stimulating market growth.
In South American countries like Brazil and Argentina, the majority of maize production is allocated to animal feed and industrial purposes, with only a small portion used for human consumption. The expanding livestock industry is driving demand for cereals, including maize and soybean, both of which are protein-rich and nutritious for animal feed. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, in 2023, Argentina had 13.7 million head of cattle, with 130,800 farms dedicated to cattle production. This high demand for meat products and increasing farm efficiency are driving the use of maize as animal feed in the country. As a result of the growing utilization of maize in various applications and the increasing production in South American countries, the maize market is projected to expand in the coming years.
Additionally, Argentina and Brazil collectively account for over 90% of South America's maize trade. Brazil, a major player in the global maize market, significantly contributes to its agricultural economy through exports. In 2023, Brazil exported 55.8 million metric tons of maize, according to ITC Trade Map. Argentina, the world's second-largest maize exporter after the United States, exported 21.8 million metric tons in the same year. Argentina's maize exports increased from USD 6,046,745 thousand in 2020 to USD 8,605,879 thousand in 2022, driving market growth in the during the projected timeframe.
South American Maize Market Trends and Insights
Increasing Demand for Animal-based Protein Sources
Population growth, rising incomes, and urbanization in South America have led to increased meat consumption. The consumption of animal protein, including milk, meat, and eggs, is growing as these become staple foods. The livestock industry faces intensifying pressure to meet the region's rising demand for meat and high-value animal protein. Maize is a key ingredient in most compound animal feeds, including those for ruminants, poultry, swine, and aquaculture. Consequently, the growing demand for animal-based protein sources in South American countries is anticipated to drive the maize market during the forecast period.
Maize serves as a crucial ingredient in animal feed in Argentina, significantly impacting the country's livestock sector. As one of the world's leading maize producers, Argentina allocates a substantial portion of its yield to animal feed production. The United States Department of Agriculture reports that Argentina's maize production reached 50.0 million metric tons in 2023, up from 36.0 million metric tons in 2022. The poultry, dairy, and beef industries are the primary consumers of maize-based feed in the country. Maize's high nutritional content, including essential carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, makes it an ideal feed ingredient, supporting livestock growth and productivity.
The rising demand for meat and dairy products in domestic and international markets has intensified the use of maize in animal feed. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Argentina, the annual per capita protein intake for 2023 comprises 48 kilograms of beef, 46.7 kilograms of poultry, and 15.4 kilograms of pork. Whole broilers account for 70 percent of domestic chicken meat consumption. Maize serves as the primary ingredient in animal feed to address the heightened demand for feed rations. Consequently, the increased consumption of animal meat products, coupled with the rise in feed demand, contributes to the growth of the maize market.
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Brazil Dominates the Market
Brazil ranks as the world's third-largest maize producer, following the United States and China. The United States Department of Agriculture reported Brazil's maize production at 122.0 million metric tons in 2023, up from 109.4 million metric tons in 2022. Brazil's maize cultivation occurs in three annual cropping cycles, enabling year-round production and harvest. Key maize-growing regions include the Central-West states of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Goias, along with the Southern state of Parana. The first-season crop, "summer maize," is planted from August to December and harvested between January and June. The second-season crop, "safrinha," sown from December to March after the soybean harvest, contributes nearly three-quarters of the country's annual maize production. A smaller third-season crop grows in some Northern and Northeastern states from May to October. Brazil utilizes its maize for animal feed, ethanol production, and food products.
Brazil's maize exports have experienced significant growth in recent years. According to the ITC Trade Map, Brazil exported 43.3 million metric tons of maize in 2022, which increased to 55.9 million metric tons in 2023. China emerged as a major buyer, accounting for 26.8% of the export value in 2023. The expansion into the Chinese market, facilitated by a Protocol on Phytosanitary Requirements signed in 2022, substantially increased exports to China. Brazil's economy relies heavily on agricultural exports, which may further boost maize exports. This growing export opportunity is likely to stimulate maize production, contributing to market growth.
Furthermore, the Brazilian government supports corn production through subsidized credit, price support mechanisms (including minimum guaranteed prices), and targeted programs. For instance, in 2022, the Sao Paulo state government launched the Milho + SP program to expand grain production. This initiative aims to make the state of Sao Paulo self-sufficient in corn production by 2030. The program's goal is to increase Sao Paulo's annual grain production from its current level to 11 million metric tons by 2030, representing an expansion of 7.7 million metric tons annually.
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Recent Industry Developments
- May 2024: Argentina invested USD 550 million in constructing a new grain port in the Rosario region, a major agricultural hub that handles over 80% of the country's agricultural and agro-industrial exports. This investment aims to enhance the infrastructure for grain handling and export, supporting Argentina's position as one of the world's leading corn exporters.
- October 2024: The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) has approved financing for two new corn ethanol plants in Brazil such as the Alvorada Bioenergia Project and the Coamo Agroindustrial Cooperativa Project. These projects are projected to increase the country's corn ethanol production capacity by 130 million gallons per year (MMgy).
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South American Maize Market Report Scope
Maize, also known as corn, is a cereal grain with high productivity and geographic adaptability. There are various hybrids of maize in the market, each with its specific properties. However, it is generally categorized into two groups: white maize and yellow maize, depending on its color and taste. South American maize market includes Production Analysis (Volume), Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume), Import Analysis (Value and Volume), Export Analysis (Value and Volume), and Price Trend Analysis. The market is segmented by Country (Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay). The report offers the market size and forecasts regarding value (USD) and volume (Metric Tons) for all the above segments.
Country
| Brazil | Production Analysis |
| Consumption Analysis and Market Value | |
| Import Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
| Export Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
| Price Trend Analysis | |
| Argentina | Production Analysis |
| Consumption Analysis and Market Value | |
| Import Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
| Export Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
| Price Trend Analysis | |
| Paraguay | Production Analysis |
| Consumption Analysis and Market Value | |
| Import Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
| Export Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |
| Price Trend Analysis |
| Country | Brazil | Production Analysis |
| Consumption Analysis and Market Value | ||
| Import Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | ||
| Export Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | ||
| Price Trend Analysis | ||
| Argentina | Production Analysis | |
| Consumption Analysis and Market Value | ||
| Import Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | ||
| Export Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | ||
| Price Trend Analysis | ||
| Paraguay | Production Analysis | |
| Consumption Analysis and Market Value | ||
| Import Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | ||
| Export Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | ||
| Price Trend Analysis | ||
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Key Questions Answered in the Report
How big is the South American Maize Market?
The South American Maize Market size is expected to reach USD 151.33 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 5.40% to reach USD 196.85 million by 2030.
What is the current South American Maize Market size?
In 2025, the South American Maize Market size is expected to reach USD 151.33 million.
What years does this South American Maize Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the South American Maize Market size was estimated at USD 143.16 million. The report covers the South American Maize Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the South American Maize Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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South American Maize Market Report
Statistics for the 2025 South American Maize market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. South American Maize analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
