| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Historical Data Period | 2019 - 2023 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 83.21 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 100.75 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 3.90 % |
Argentina Maize Market Analysis
The Argentina Maize Market size is estimated at USD 83.21 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 100.75 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Argentina is one of the world's largest maize exporters, contributing significantly to global food security and agricultural trade. In 2023, maize production in the country reached 41.4 million metric tons, according to FAOSTAT, despite a severe drought that caused a 29.8% decline compared to the previous year. The maize industry, a fundamental component of the country's economy, typically generates approximately USD 7.1 billion annually in export revenues, as reported by ITC Trade Map, making it a vital source of foreign exchange and rural employment.
Weather patterns and climate change have become increasingly critical factors affecting Argentina's maize production. The country has experienced more frequent and severe weather events in recent years, with the 2022/23 drought being particularly impactful. The drought, attributed to the La Niña weather pattern, resulted in significant soil moisture deficits during critical growing periods. However, the sector demonstrates positive recovery trends. According to the USDA International Production Assessment, improved weather conditions and the adoption of resilient farming practices have led to an average yield increase of 11.6% between 2023 and 2024.
Technological adoption and farming practices continue to evolve in Argentina's maize sector. The widespread adoption of no-till farming, precision agriculture, and improved seed genetics has increased productivity over the past decades. The country has integrated biotechnology, with 96% of its maize crop consisting of genetically modified varieties resistant to herbicides and insects, according to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA). This technological integration has helped Argentine farmers maintain competitive production costs, though input costs, particularly for fertilizers and crop protection products, remain a significant concern for producers.
Argentina Maize Market Trends
Rising Demand for Biofuel and Ethanol Production
In 2024, bioethanol consumption in Argentina reached 1.12 billion liters, marking a significant increase compared to previous years, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Approximately 60% of this production is sourced from corn ethanol. Additionally, biodiesel production is forecasted to reach 1.65 million liters in 2024, a 75% increase from 2023, driven by rising domestic consumption and exports.This surge in bioethanol and biodiesel production is estimated to significantly boost the demand for maize in Argentina, as it serves as a primary raw material for ethanol production, further propelling the maize market in the country.
Argentina's bioethanol production capacity, using corn as feedstock, reaches approximately 850 million liters per year. Five major companies operate facilities with capacities between 100-290 million liters each. These plants are located in the "Corn Belt," enabling direct feedstock procurement from nearby farms. The largest facility, operated by a local agricultural cooperative, plans facility upgrades by 2026 to improve production efficiency, as reported by USDA. The corn bioethanol industry maintains high operational capacity due to profitable returns from mandated pricing. This profitability encourages increased production and farm-level investments in corn, strengthening Argentina's maize market through sustained demand and competitive pricing for farmers who supply ethanol producers.
The economic viability of corn-based ethanol production in Argentina has strengthened due to the country's position as a major global corn producer and its efficient processing facilities. The ethanol plants in Argentina achieve better conversion efficiencies comparable to those in the United States, while generating additional revenue through dried distiller grains with solubles (DDGS) sales to the domestic livestock sector. This combination of ethanol production and DDGS sales increases profitability and drives corn demand, supporting the growth of Argentina's corn market.
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Rising Corn Imports to Meet Consumption Demand
Argentina, traditionally a leading global corn exporter, experienced a shift in trade dynamics in 2023 due to severe production shortfalls. The country faced its worst drought in decades, resulting in a 29.8% decline in corn production compared to the previous year, according to FAOSTAT. This reduction in domestic output disrupted supply chains and forced Argentina to increase imports to meet local demand. According to ITC Trade Map, Argentina's corn imports increased from 5.4 thousand metric tons in 2021 to 15.7 thousand metric tons in 2023. These trade adjustments reflect the challenges and adaptability of Argentina's agricultural sector in response to climate and market changes.
The United States, Brazil, and Chile serve as the primary corn exporters to Argentina. The United States accounts for 77.6% of Argentina's total corn import volume, establishing itself as the dominant supplier. This position stems from its status as one of the world's major corn producers and established trade relationships with Argentina. Brazil and Chile contributed 16.6% and 4.6% of Argentina's corn imports, respectively, in 2023, according to ITC Trade Map. These three countries strengthen Argentina's corn supply chain, providing stability during periods of production challenges.
Argentina's corn import regulations allow strategic imports while safeguarding domestic production. The country implements a variable import tariff system that adjusts according to domestic supply conditions. During the 2023 severe drought, the government temporarily relaxed import restrictions to enable corn imports for specific end-users, particularly livestock producers. This regulatory flexibility shows Argentina's ability to adapt its trade framework during exceptional circumstances while maintaining its status as a major corn exporter.
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Argentina Maize Market News
- September 2023: The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a USD 100 million loan to Argentina to improve the agroindustry's productivity and sales, emphasizing climate change adaptation. The initiative aims to strengthen development in targeted regions and promote rural population retention, contributing to increased corn production.
- April 2023: The Argentine government announced a USD 394 million loan approval for irrigation projects. This loan is part of a comprehensive irrigation development initiative that plans to invest USD 2.07 billion in public spending and double the irrigated farmland area. The expansion of irrigation systems is expected to significantly increase maize cultivation in the country.
Argentina Maize Industry Segmentation
Maize, also known as corn, is a cereal grain characterized by high productivity and wide geographic adaptability. Multiple maize hybrids are available in the market, each possessing distinct properties. The Argentina Maize Market Includes Production Analysis (Volume), Consumption Analysis (Volume and Value), Import Analysis (Volume and Value), Export Analysis (Volume and Value), and Price Trend Analysis. The Report Offers Market Size and Forecasts in Terms of Value (USD) and Volume (metric Tons) for all the Above Segments.
| Geography | Argentina | Production Analysis |
| Consumption Analysis and Market Value | ||
| Import Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | ||
| Export Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | ||
| Price Trend Analysis |
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Argentina Maize Market Research FAQs
How big is the Argentina Maize Market?
The Argentina Maize Market size is expected to reach USD 83.21 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 3.9% to reach USD 100.75 billion by 2030.
What is the current Argentina Maize Market size?
In 2025, the Argentina Maize Market size is expected to reach USD 83.21 billion.
What years does this Argentina Maize Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Argentina Maize Market size was estimated at USD 79.96 billion. The report covers the Argentina Maize Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Argentina Maize Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Argentina Maize Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Argentina Maize market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Argentina Maize analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
