Imports of grain maize into the Netherlands are lagging significantly this season, while the pace in the EU is also slowing. Lower supply puts pressure on stocks and shifts the market balance. Read more about imports and stocks on the maize market.
Up to and including last week, the Netherlands imported slightly less than 1,6 million tonnes of grain maize. There has been hardly any import, especially over the last five weeks. In the same period last year, around 3 million tonnes were imported.
Slightly more than half of the imported maize comes from Ukraine. In addition, Brazil is a major supplier, accounting for 42% of Dutch imports. This season, a significant amount of maize is also entering the European Union from the United States. While the US is the third most important source of maize imports in the Netherlands, its share remains limited to 3%.
Spain largest importer in the EU
Spain is by far the largest importer of maize within the EU. That country has already brought nearly 6 million tonnes of maize into the EU this season. Half of that was imported from the United States. Brazil and Ukraine have each supplied over 1,5 million tonnes of maize to Spain so far.
Italy is also a larger maize importer than the Netherlands. The Italians have imported 2,75 million tonnes of maize this season. By far the largest part of this maize comes from Ukraine. More than a third of the 6 million tonnes of maize that Ukraine is supplying to the EU this year has Italy as its final destination.
In total, the EU has imported 14,2 million tonnes of maize. Last year, the total already stood at 17 million tonnes. Ultimately, imports in 2024/25 stalled just below 20 million tonnes. This year, according to the latest figures, the European Commission expects total imports of 18,8 million tonnes.
Based on the pace of the past few weeks, imports appear to be lower than forecast. If imports in May and June keep pace with recent weeks, imports will likely remain around 17 million tonnes. Consequently, the EU ending stock of maize will shrink towards 15,1 million tonnes. At the end of the 2024/25 season, the stock stood at 18,4 million tonnes.
2026 forecast: slight decrease
For the 2026 growing season, the European Commission forecasts a slight decrease in the grain maize acreage to just under 8,4 million hectares. With slightly higher yields, according to the latest estimates, this will result in a production of 61,2 million tonnes, compared to 58,1 million tonnes last year. Although demand is not expected to increase much, more imports are needed to maintain stock levels.