CropGPT - Maize - Week 49

This episode provides a concise overview of recent developments in the global maize market.Myanmar continues to play a strategic role in Southeast Asia’s maize trade, exporting approximately 1.2 million tons to Thailand from February to August 2025. Despite the high export volume, domestic prices remained stable due to coordinated stakeholder management. Maize also remains central to Myanmar’s feed industry, which annually consumes between 800,000 and 1 million tons.The United States reached a historic production milestone in 2025, harvesting over 425 million metric tons of maize with exceptionally high quality. Accounting for 38.4% of global corn exports, the U.S. solidified its position as the world’s leading maize exporter. In Russia’s Dagestan region, maize production rose by 5%, surpassing regional yield expectations and showcasing the success of localized agricultural practices.Brazil’s Western Bahia expanded maize cultivation to 116,000 hectares, aiming for a production target of 1.3 to 1.46 million tons, supported by ideal rainfall. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Vilya region faced harvest delays due to excessive moisture, though drying technologies are being employed to preserve yield quality, reported at 12 tons per hectare.In Serbia, food safety concerns surfaced as two maize shipments were rejected in Albania for aflatoxin B1 contamination, underlining the need for strict inspection protocols. India reported a 30% increase in maize production, climbing from 337.3 to 443 lakh metric tons between 2021–22 and 2024–25. This rise is driven by demand from the ethanol sector and pro-biofuel policy initiatives, including the National Policy on Biofuels.