| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Historical Data Period | 2019 - 2023 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 37.04 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 43.57 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 3.30 % |
Europe Maize Market Analysis
The Europe Maize Market size is estimated at USD 37.04 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 43.57 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.30% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The maize market is expanding due to increasing demand for this versatile cereal grain. Maize contains antioxidants like phenols and phytosterols and serves multiple purposes including animal feed, consumer products, industrial applications, and food processing. The market has transformed significantly over the past decade due to increased output from biotechnological advancements. According to FAOSTAT, Europe's grain maize harvest increased to 119.0 million metric tons in 2023 from 102.6 million metric tons in 2022, indicating higher yields. This growth was primarily driven by increased production in Ukraine (+18.5%), France (+18.0%), Germany (+17.2%), Italy (+13.9%), and Romania (+8.8%).
Ukraine, France, Italy, Germany, and Romania are Europe's primary maize producers, with Ukraine contributing approximately 10.0% of global maize production according to FAOSTAT. The expanding livestock and commercial compound feed industries are driving maize demand in the region due to its high protein content for animal feed. FAOSTAT reports Germany's buffalo population grew from 11,680 in 2022 to 12,150 in 2023. Additionally, increased health consciousness has led to higher demand for protein-rich diets, including maize consumption, contributing to market growth.
Export demand for European maize is increasing due to global trade dynamics, production levels, and competitive pricing. ITC Trade Map data shows Italy's maize exports reached USD 101.8 million in 2023, up from USD 86.9 million in 2022. The market benefits from improved farming techniques, precision agriculture, and high-yield maize hybrids. Farmers are implementing genetically improved maize varieties with enhanced resistance to pests, diseases, and drought conditions. The European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) provides financial support through subsidies and direct payments to maize growers, encouraging cultivation expansion. These factors, combined with technological innovation, government support, and trade demand, are anticipated to drive market growth during the forecast period.
Europe Maize Market Trends
Increasing Demand for Animal-based Protein
Maize serves as a fundamental ingredient in compound feed across various animal segments, including ruminants, poultry, swine, and aquaculture. The increasing demand for animal-based protein sources continues to drive the global maize market. According to FAOSTAT, Germany's grain maize cultivation area expanded from 456.7 thousand hectares in 2022 to 466.4 thousand hectares in 2023.
The livestock industry faces increased pressure to meet the rising demand for meat and animal protein. Population growth, higher incomes in developing countries, and urbanization have contributed to increased livestock consumption. The correlation between income levels and animal protein consumption shows increased consumption of milk, meat, and eggs over staple foods. The OECD reports that the UK's per capita poultry meat consumption rose from 18.3 kg in 2022 to 18.9 kg in 2023. This growing demand for high-quality animal protein and safe food products has increased the focus on compound feed, driving maize production.
European livestock operations focus on high-intensity production and sustainability. The Alltech Feed Survey indicates Spain's feed production increased from 31.2 million metric tons in 2022 to 36.2 million metric tons in 2023, reflecting higher animal nutrition demand. The dairy industry significantly influences maize production in major dairy-producing countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands. FAOSTAT data reveals Spain's raw cattle milk production increased from 7.45 million metric tons in 2022 to 7.56 million metric tons in 2023. The Netherlands experienced growth from 14.53 million metric tons to 14.68 million metric tons of cattle milk during the same period. Farmers utilize maize extensively to meet feed demand and improve milk yield and animal health.
Government support and technological advances continue to enhance market growth. In January 2024, the European Commission allocated USD 1.1 billion to German State aid schemes for animal welfare improvement. These policies, along with feed safety regulations and incentives for advanced feed technologies, encourage maize production. The demand for maize in animal feed is anticipated to grow as European livestock production increases, driven by requirements for quality feed solutions that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and support sustainable farming practices.
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Ukraine is the Largest Market
Ukraine is the largest maize producer and exporter in Europe. The country's position stems from its vast agricultural land, favorable climate, cost-effective production, export infrastructure, and access to international markets. According to FAOSTAT, Ukraine's maize production increased from 26.2 million metric tons in 2022 to 31.0 million metric tons in 2023. The country's primary strength lies in its extensive arable land and fertile soil, particularly the nutrient-rich black soil (Chernozem), which is ideal for maize cultivation. This soil type, combined with the temperate climate and adequate rainfall, enables high maize yields at lower input costs, supporting Ukraine's position as Europe's leading maize producer.
Ukraine's export capabilities are enhanced by its access to major Black Sea ports, including Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Chornomorsk, which facilitate maize exports to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The country's integration with European trade routes enables efficient supply to EU countries. According to the ITC Trade Map, Ukraine's maize exports grew from 25.2 million metric tons in 2022 to 26.4 million metric tons in 2023. The main export destinations and their respective value shares are China (21.8%), Spain (13.8%), Romania (11.5%), Egypt (9.2%), and Italy (9%).
The global demand for maize, particularly for animal feed and biofuel production, continues to drive Ukraine's exports. The European Union depends significantly on Ukrainian maize imports for its livestock and poultry sectors. The increasing use of maize in biofuel production, aligned with EU renewable energy targets, provides a consistent market for Ukrainian maize despite global grain price fluctuations. Government support for agricultural exports, infrastructure investments, and sustainable farming practices help maintain production levels. Ukraine's combination of natural resources, cost advantages, and strategic export network maintains its position as Europe's largest maize market.
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Europe Maize Market News
- January 2023: The European Union Commission approved Romania's National Strategic Plan to enhance farm economic viability, reduce income disparities among farms, and improve agricultural sector competitiveness, with a focus on maize production, a major crop in the country. The program allocated USD 16.6 billion to Romania for the 2023-2027 financial period.
- October 2022: The European Union launched drought-scarred maize crops during crucial summer growth stages to escalate the maize crop forecast to 55.5 million tons in production.
- January 2022: Corteva Agriscience invested USD 5.5 million in modernizing its Austrian seed plant, which serves as a key facility for corn seed production. The investment funded a new workshop for quality seed production and the implementation of safe corn cob 'backdumping' procedures.
Europe Maize Industry Segmentation
Maize, also known as corn, is a cereal grain that is considered a commodity and a staple food in multiple parts of the world, including Europe. Here, maize is considered a commodity, and the data involved excludes maize seeds for sowing. The Europe Maize Market is segmented by Geography (Ukraine, France, Italy, Germany, and Romania). The report includes Production Analysis (Volume), Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume), Export Analysis (Value and Volume), Import Analysis (Value and Volume), and Price Trend Analysis. The report offers market estimation and forecasts in Value (USD) and Volume (Metric Tons).
| Geography (Production Analysis, Consumption Analysis by Value and Volume, Import Analysis by Value and Volume, Export Analysis by Value and Volume, and Price Trend Analysis) | Ukraine |
| France | |
| Italy | |
| Romania | |
| Germany |
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Europe Maize Market Research FAQs
How big is the Europe Maize Market?
The Europe Maize Market size is expected to reach USD 37.04 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 3.30% to reach USD 43.57 billion by 2030.
What is the current Europe Maize Market size?
In 2025, the Europe Maize Market size is expected to reach USD 37.04 billion.
What years does this Europe Maize Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Europe Maize Market size was estimated at USD 35.82 billion. The report covers the Europe Maize Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Europe Maize Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Europe Maize Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Europe Maize market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Europe 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.
