Maize, Corn: A Staple Crop with Global Significance

One of the most widely cultivated and consumed cereal crops worldwide is maize, sometimes known as corn. It is an adaptable grain that is a staple diet in many countries and essential to many different industries.

Maize plays a vital role in agriculture and global trade thanks to its nutritional benefits, culinary adaptability, and industrial uses. We will examine the market for maize in this section, covering its production, consumption, commerce, and the variety of goods made from this crucial commodity.

Maize and Corn Trade PCI Ranking

According to the Product Complexity Index (PCI), corn is ranked 873rd.

Facilities Required to Enter Maize Trade Industry

• Cultivation and Harvesting:

Have access to suitable land for maize cultivation, equipped with appropriate irrigation systems and farming equipment. Understand the techniques and practices involved in maize farming to ensure optimal yield and quality.

• Processing and Storage:

Establish processing facilities for maize, including equipment for husking, cleaning, grinding, and packaging. Adequate storage facilities, such as silos or warehouses, are needed to preserve maize grains and maintain their quality over time.

• Quality Control:

Implement strict quality control measures to ensure that maize meets the required standards. This includes monitoring moisture content, checking for impurities or contaminants, and conducting regular quality tests to reach the quality for businesses who aim to buy maize & corn online in bulk.

• Market Research and Distribution:

Conduct market research to understand the demand for maize and identify potential customers and distribution channels. Establish relationships with wholesalers, retailers, and food processing companies to ensure a consistent market for maize products.

• Logistics and Transportation:

Arrange for efficient logistics and transportation infrastructure to facilitate the movement of maize from farms to processing facilities and distribution centers. This includes reliable vehicles, proper packaging, and adherence to transportation regulations.

• Compliance with Regulations:

Stay informed about relevant regulations and certifications related to maize production and trade, such as GMO labeling, food safety standards, and export/import requirements. Ensure compliance with these regulations to meet market demands and maintain credibility.

• Value Addition and Product Diversification:

Explore opportunities for value addition and product diversification, such as producing maize flour, cornstarch, corn oil, or other maize-based products. This can help capture different market segments and increase profitability.

Maize and Corn Trade Tariffs 

Using the HS4 product categorization, the average corn tariff in 2018 was 6.78%, ranking it as the 634th lowest tariff.

Corn, Maize Category and Products

• Whole Corn:

  • Fresh or frozen corn kernels used for cooking, salads, and side dishes.
  • Canned corn packed in brine or water for convenience and longer shelf life.

• Cornmeal and Flour:

  • Cornmeal, finely ground corn used for making cornbread, tortillas, and various baked goods.
  • Corn flour, finely ground corn used as a thickening agent or for making corn-based products.

• Corn Oil:

  • Extracted from corn germ, corn oil is used for cooking, frying, and as a salad dressing.

• Animal Feed:

  • Corn is a significant component in animal feed, providing essential nutrients and energy to livestock.

• Corn Starch:

  • Obtained from the endosperm of the corn kernel, corn starch is a common thickening agent in cooking and baking.

• Corn Syrup and Sweeteners:

  • Corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn starch, commonly used in the food and beverage industry.
  • High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener with a high concentration of fructose, widely used in processed foods and beverages.

• Ethanol:

  • Corn is a primary feedstock for ethanol production, used as a biofuel additive in gasoline.

• Industrial Products:

  • Various industrial products are derived from corn, such as bioplastics, bio-based chemicals, and textiles.