This episode provides a structured overview of global maize market developments as of June 1, 2025. Key highlights include:

• South Africa forecasts a 14% year-on-year increase in maize production for the 2024/25 season, totaling 14.644 million metric tons, split between white maize (7.65 MMT) for human consumption and yellow maize (7.00 MMT) for feed use. The potential surplus may influence global trade flows and price dynamics.
• Kenya has released 200,000 bags of maize from its National Strategic Grain Reserve to licensed millers at subsidized prices to stabilize flour prices and mitigate shortages. Eligibility requirements and distribution regulations are in place to ensure transparency and effectiveness.
• Brazil reports near completion of its first maize crop harvest, while the offseason harvest is slower in certain areas. Nonetheless, strict sanitary controls have minimized export disruptions. The country projects total maize output to rise to 132.7 MMT for 2024/25, reinforcing its global supply position.
• In Russia, maize sowing in Kabardino-Balkaria spans 70,000 hectares, with planting delayed due to low soil temperatures. Farmers are employing input-based strategies to optimize yields, with harvest expected between September and November.
• China continues shifting away from U.S. maize imports in favor of Brazilian supply. This has allowed countries like Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam to increase their U.S. maize purchases. China is expected to sustain this trend through 2025.
• On a global scale, the International Grains Council projects a moderate increase in total grain production, largely due to Brazil. Global consumption is set to hit a record 2.372 billion metric tons, although international grain trade volumes are forecasted to fall to a 10-year low.