Record UK maize imports in March: Grain market daily
UK maize and wheat imports surged in March, with maize hitting a five-year high at 373.96 Kt—up 43.4% from February. Season-to-date maize imports totaled 2.36 Mt, 22% higher year-on-year. Wheat imports rose 25% to 243.85 Kt, bringing the season total to 2.4 Mt—up 45% from last year. Updated supply and demand estimates are expected soon.
On Thursday, HMRC published the latest UK trade data, including figures up to the end of March. The updated data revealed a strong pace of maize and wheat imports for the 2024/25 season overall, as well as in March.
Maize imports in March reached 373.96 Kt, marking a 43.4% increase compared to February and representing the highest monthly import level in five years.
Season-to-date (Jul-Mar) maize imports totalled 2.36 Mt, up 22% on year earlier levels, and 27% on the five-year average. In March, AHDB estimated full-season imports would total 2.65 Mt. To reach this figure, the import pace would need to average 95.8 Kt per month, which is well below the 373.96 Kt imported in March.
Wheat imports in March, (including durum wheat) reached 243.85 Kt, which is a 25% increase compared to February.
Wheat imports (incl. durum wheat) totalled 2.4 Mt from July – March, up 45% on the same period last year, and up 74% on the five-year average. In March, AHDB estimated that full-season wheat imports would reach 2.70 Mt. As such, in order to reach this estimate, imports would need to average 99.6 Kt a month for the remainder of the season.
AHDB are due to publish updated UK supply and demand estimates at the end of this month. Any changes to expected full season imports, would likely also impact carry in stocks and the supply outlook into next season.
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Source : AHDB
