Increase in maize imports due to increasing demand from ethanol manufacturers

31-Mar-2025 01:39 PM

📈 Surge in Maize Imports Due to Rising Demand from Ethanol Industry

📍 New Delhi: India's maize imports have surged as ethanol production increases its demand. Previously used mainly for animal feed, poultry feed, starch manufacturing, and food, maize is now being diverted to ethanol production, leading to higher domestic prices and reduced exports.

🌽 Key Insights on Maize Trade

📌 🔹 Imports:
✅ India imported 8.80 lakh tonnes of maize in 2024
✅ Major sources:

• Myanmar 🇲🇲 - 4.37 lakh tonnes

• Ukraine 🇺🇦 - 4.45 lakh tonnes

• Singapore 🇸🇬 - 2,000 tonnes
  ✅ GM maize is banned in India, so imports come only from non-GM producing countries

📌 🔹 Declining Exports:
📉 Indian maize exports are struggling due to rising domestic prices
📉 Key export destinations shifting to cheaper suppliers
📉 Nepal is now importing GM maize instead of Indian maize

📌 🔹 Export Revenue Drop (April–Dec 2024 vs. 2023):
📉 Nepal: $1044.1M ➡️ $740.8M
📉 Bangladesh: $727.2M ➡️ $138.6M
📉 Malaysia: $145M ➡️ $7.4M
📈 Bhutan: $80.1M ➡️ $128.4M
📈 Sri Lanka: $30.6M ➡️ $216.4M

⏭️ What’s Next?

⚠ Maize demand for ethanol likely to increase further
⚠ India may need to import more maize
⚠ Export competitiveness declining due to high prices