A forecast of a 5 million ton reduction in maize production in the EU due to poor crops in Eastern Europe is causing concerns.

In the latest report by Strategie Grains analysts, the forecast for corn production in the European Union for the 2024/25 season has been reduced. It was expected that production would amount to 60 million tonnes, but now the forecast has been lowered to 57.9 million tonnes. This will be the third lowest figure in the last ten years due to poor results in Eastern Europe. As a result, production will decrease by 5 million tonnes.

According to the report, yields have significantly decreased since the start of the harvest in Central Europe, Romania, and Bulgaria. The hot weather in summer had a negative impact on corn crops in Eastern Europe.

In light of the low yield, experts forecast an increase in corn imports into the countries of the European Union. It is expected that these imports will be based on supplies from Brazil and Canada, as the supply from Ukraine is limited.

Moreover, the forecast for soft wheat production in the European Union for the 2024/25 season has been revised down by analysts from 116.5 million tonnes (forecast in August) to 114.4 million tonnes. In the previous season, 127.2 million tonnes were produced. The barley production forecast has remained almost unchanged at 50.5 (50.6; 47.6) million tonnes.