India’s maize exports rebound on price parity
India’s maize exports are rebounding in 2025-26, with shipments up 20% in volume and 28% in value during April–October, supported by record production and more competitive prices. Strong domestic demand still limits exports, but improved price parity has revived overseas buying.
India’s maize exports, which dropped to a five-year low in 2024-25 on lack of price parity, are rebounding this year on higher domestic output and prices turning favourable for buyers abroad.
Exports during April-October this fiscal were up 20 per cent in volume at over 2.84 lakh tonnes, compared with 2.36 lakh tonnes a year ago. In value terms, maize shipments registered a 28 per cent growth during April-October at $112.49 million over $87.63 million a year ago.
“Maize shipments are taking place as prices are viable this year. However, the trade is cautious due to the prevailing situation in Bangladesh, one of the major markets,” said Rahul Chauhan of IGrain India. Last year, maize exports slowed down considerably due to the higher domestic prices.
Combination of factors
Maize shipments touched a low of 5.56 lakh tonnes during 2024-25 valued at $201.17 million on higher domestic prices and strong demand from poultry, ethanol and starch producers. In 2023-24, maize exports were 14.42 lakh tonnes valued at $443 million.
“Last year’s slowdown was driven by a combination of strong domestic demand for feed, ethanol and industrial use in key markets like India, coupled with rising global production that pushed prices downward and reduced export incentives. Trade tensions and logistical constraints further altered buying patterns, resulting in subdued export movement. This year, we are witnessing a clear turnaround,” said Divya Kumar Gulati, Chairman, CLFMA of India.
India’s maize production during the kharif 2025 season is estimated at a record 28.3 million tonnes, up from corresponding season last year’s 24.8 million tonnes, as farmers had expanded the acreages significantly. During 2024-25, India had produced a record 43.4 million tonnes.
In the ongoing rabi sowing season, maize acreage is higher by 6.6 per cent at 23.32 lakh hectares (lh) as of January 2 over 21.87 lh a year ago.
Large harvests
The bumper kharif output has led to the price fall across various producing States. The All-India mandi wholesale price is hovering around Rs 1,710 per quintal, down by 28 per cent over the minimum support price of Rs 2,400 per quintal. Following the decline in prices, States such as Karnataka and Telangana have started market interventions to support the growers.
Gulati said the large harvests in the US, Ukraine and Brazil have boosted global supplies, allowing exporters to service international demand more effectively.
“At the same time, many exporters have diversified their markets, added new destinations and strengthening trade relationships where other suppliers lost ground last year. With global maize prices stabilising at more competitive levels, international buyers find it more economical to secure grains for feed and industrial use, contributing to higher export volumes.
In India, however, exports remain limited as domestic requirements for feed, ethanol and starch continue to take priority. Overall, the recovery in export activity suggests a more balanced global maize market compared to last year’s surplus-driven slowdown. Going forward, geopolitical developments, tariff decisions and evolving import preferences will continue to influence how trade flows reshape across regions,” Gulati said.
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Source : The Hindu Business line
