Corn: Industrial developments predict a spur in domestic demand
May 25, 2018 at 2:46 PM ,
Starry Night Ltd.
BULGARIA. A savvy farmer is not one that exclusively spends time in the field, hoping for natural forces to bless grains. No, a savvy farmer is one who looks beyond the necessities of today, firmly planning for the future, by analysing short-term prospects that foment long-term consequences on the market. That is why, from all other market players in the local corn industry, farmers should be best attuned to any new sector’s initiatives. Investments, targeted to increase the processing capacities of local corn factories, will substantially surge the demand for locally grown corn. Recently, a factory announced such plans, which will inevitably lead to a positive spur in the consumption of the grain.
Corn: Changing patterns of domestic demand
The largest share of locally grown corn is used by the livestock sector, as by the 18th of May 2018, demand for the grain for feed reached 548,000 mt, which on a yearly basis represents an increase of 8.09%. Throughout the years, it has become apparent that the dynamics on the wheat export market compel local mills to turn to corn as a substitute.
Harvest 2017-18 (01.09.2017 - 18.05.2018) units in MT |
|
Beginning availability |
580,000 |
Aggregate output |
2,562,749 |
Imports |
19,370 |
Domestic consumption |
963,600 |
food & industrial usage |
408,000 |
feed |
548,000 |
seeds |
7,600 |
Exports to the world |
1,182,088 |
to EU markets |
946,270 |
to rest of the world |
235,818 |
Source: Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture
However, a major boost in local demand has been recorded in the food & industrial sector. By the end of last week, consumption by the sector reached 408,000 mt while a year earlier, the figure stood at 300,000 mt. The change represents a raise of 36% in favour of the current year. Because investments in corn processing capacities have been undertaken, the rise within the sector is expected to increase substantially in the upcoming year, while keeping the momentum high during the subsequent ones. According to local market players, corn processed for starch and other food staple is forecasted to rise close to a multifold. In addition, corn used for biodiesel is also expected to record a significant increase.