Competitive Prices Expected to Boost Maize Exports

09-Jan-2026 01:09 PM

Mumbai: Strong domestic production, high stocks, and competitive prices are indicating a positive outlook for Indian maize exports. It is noteworthy that during the 2024-25 marketing season, India's maize exports had fallen to a five-year low due to high prices.

According to available data, maize exports from India increased to over 280,000 tonnes during the seven months from April to October 2025, which is about 20 percent higher than the 236,000 tonnes shipped during the same period in 2024.

Similarly, the revenue from maize exports in April-October 2025 jumped to $112.49 million, a 28 percent increase compared to the $87.63 million earned during April-October 2024.

According to Rahul Chauhan, Director and leading market analyst at iGrain India, a significant increase is being observed in maize export shipments because prices remain attractive and profitable.

However, exporters have become quite cautious given the current volatile situation in Bangladesh, a major buyer. During the last financial year, India's maize exports declined sharply because domestic market prices were significantly higher than global prices.

According to available information, total maize exports from India during the entire financial year 2024-25 (April-March) fell to 556,000 tonnes, generating revenue of $201.17 million. Strong demand from the poultry, ethanol, and starch manufacturing industries had driven up maize prices.

Prior to this, in the financial year 2023-24, India exported 1.442 million tonnes of maize worth $443 million. According to a leading industry analyst, last year, while maize prices in India were high and rising, international market prices softened due to increased global production.

As a result, some of India's traditional maize buyers began importing more maize from the United States and Latin American countries. However, there are clear indications that the scenario will change during the 2025-26 period.