Tunisia: Maize Market 2024

Maize Market Size in Tunisia

In 2022, the Tunisian maize market decreased by -2.9% to $X, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, consumption, however, enjoyed a modest expansion. Maize consumption peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Maize Production in Tunisia

In value terms, maize production totaled $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 49% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2022, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

The average yield of maize (green) in Tunisia stood at less than X kg per ha in 2022, flattening at the year before. In general, the yield showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of maize (green) production in Tunisia stood at less than X ha, leveling off at the previous year's figure. In general, the harvested area saw a relatively flat trend pattern.

Maize Exports

Exports from Tunisia

In 2022, shipments abroad of maize (green) increased by 78% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. Overall, exports continue to indicate a measured expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 217% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, maize exports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw a mild setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 414% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Italy (X tons) was the main destination for maize exports from Tunisia, accounting for a 94% share of total exports. Moreover, maize exports to Italy exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, France (X tons), more than tenfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Libya (X tons), with a 0.6% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Italy totaled +57.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: France (-20.0% per year) and Libya (-21.5% per year).

In value terms, Italy ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for maize (green) exports from Tunisia, comprising 86% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by France ($X), with a 5.5% share of total exports. It was followed by Canada, with a 0.5% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Italy totaled +37.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: France (-18.5% per year) and Canada (-32.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average maize export price amounted to $X per ton, declining by -31.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price saw a pronounced contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the average export price increased by 62%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Canada ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Libya ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Libya (+3.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Maize Imports

Imports into Tunisia

In 2022, imports of maize (green) into Tunisia reduced notably to X kg, which is down by -99% against 2021 figures. Overall, imports recorded a sharp descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 175% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, maize imports shrank remarkably to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports faced a sharp decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 174%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Mexico (X kg) was the main maize supplier to Tunisia, accounting for a approx. 100% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Mexico was relatively modest.

In value terms, Mexico ($X) constituted the largest supplier of maize (green) to Tunisia.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Mexico was relatively modest.

Import Prices by Country

The average maize import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, jumping by 109% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a moderate expansion. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Mexico.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Egypt amounted to -1.5% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform