EU Feed Makers Warn of Higher Maize, Soybean Imports After Drought
EU feed makers project a sharp rise in maize and soybean imports for 2026/27 after drought cuts grain and forage output.
The European Union is set to significantly increase its imports of maize and soybean products in the 2026/27 season, following a drought that has reduced both grain and forage supplies. The European feed manufacturers' group FEFAC has indicated that the bloc will require an additional 7 million metric tons of maize, pushing total imports beyond 26 million tons, with Ukraine, the United States, and Brazil expected to be the primary suppliers.
This projection comes after the European Commission had already forecast EU maize imports at 25 million tons for the period, a notable rise from the 19.3 million tons recorded in 2025/26 and the highest volume since 2022/23. The bloc's crop monitoring service, MARS, has also trimmed its forecast for this year's maize yield as persistent heat and drought conditions continue to damage crops across the region.
Data up to August 30 shows that EU maize imports are already running 41% higher than the same time last year. The United States and Ukraine are currently the largest suppliers, followed by Brazil. Since maize is predominantly used for animal feed in Europe, the tightening supply is putting pressure on livestock producers.
In response, FEFAC has called on the European Commission and member states to maintain the flow of Ukrainian feed grains, permit temporary national derogations for certain imported grains intended solely for animal feed, and suspend EU deforestation regulations for palm kernel expeller, a by-product commonly used in cattle feed.