Ukrainian maize for Germany soon
Maize production in Ukraine has seen a considerable upturn in recent years. In 2013, the harvest is expected to be three times higher than in previous years. Ukrainian analysts are not quite as euphoric as the USDA and expect a maize harvest of only 26 million tons (USDA 29 million tons).
Corn now accounts for more than 40% of Ukraine's arable land. Above all, maize is displacing other less competitive summer crops. Winter wheat is also being cut back in suitable locations.
Although Ukraine cannot keep up with the 350 million tons of US corn, 210 million tons of corn in China, 75 million tons of corn in Brazil and 65 million tons of corn in the EU-28, it is increasingly playing in the 2nd league of producers.
The greater significance lies in exports. With current estimates of 18 million tons of exports, Ukraine could make a significant impact on the international maize trade in the future. The USA remains the world leader with 40 to 50 million tons. Argentina and Brazil alternate in 2nd place with 16 to 23 million tons.
The main buyers of Ukrainian goods are the countries bordering the Mediterranean. However, the EU-28 also imports Ukrainian maize. At around 7.5 million tons, EU import demand will be particularly high in 2013, as European maize is expected to be significantly weaker than in previous years. Ukrainian goods are widely regarded as very inexpensive and can be procured at favorable transport costs for EU import requirements.
