Maize records 6,2pc price decline on ZMX

“Maize prices on the ZMX declined by 6,2 percent to US$333,40 per tonne during the week driven by increased national supply that has shifted market dynamics in favour of buyers. "Despite the supply volumes on the ZMX platform remaining low, the broader availability of maize across the country is exerting downward pressure on prices,” said ZMX in its weekly bulletin.

Business Reporter

Maize prices on the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX), the national commodity exchange recorded a 6,2 percent decline, to settle at US$333,40 per tonne during the week to June 20, 2025.

According to ZMX the downturn was largely driven by a surge in national supply, which has tipped the market balance in favour of buyers.

Although the volume of maize traded on the ZMX platform remains relatively low, the increased availability of maize across the country has put downward pressure on the prices of the commodity market.

This development highlights the significant influence of national trends on the platform’s price dynamics.

In contrast, wheat and soya bean prices remained stable largely due to limited trading activity and minimal market movement.

However, the exchange has observed a notable increase in trading activity for alternative crops, particularly sunflower, which is currently trading at US$440 per tonne.

This growing interest in non-traditional crops suggests a diversification of market focus beyond staple grains, potentially opening up new opportunities for farmers and traders.

“Maize prices on the ZMX declined by 6,2 percent to US$333,40 per tonne during the week driven by increased national supply that has shifted market dynamics in favour of buyers.

“Despite the supply volumes on the ZMX platform remaining low, the broader availability of maize across the country is exerting downward pressure on prices,” said ZMX in its weekly bulletin.

According to ZMX, the differing trends in maize, wheat, soya beans and sunflower prices highlight the dynamic nature of the commodity market, where supply and demand imbalances can have significant impacts on pricing.

ZMX had witnessed a surge in demand for grain commodities in the trading week to June 13, 2025, underscoring a dynamic shift in the country’s agricultural commodity markets.

The platform is designed to facilitate the trading and financing of agricultural commodities in Zimbabwe.

It operates as a commodities exchange, providing an electronic marketplace for trading, warehousing and financing of agricultural products.

The electronic warehouse receipt system allows farmers to deposit their commodities in designated warehouses and receive receipts that can be used for trading or as collateral for a loan.

Essentially, ZMX aims to modernise and streamline the process of buying and selling commodities, connecting Zimbabwean traders with regional markets and offering solutions for post-harvest challenges faced by farmers.

ZMX allows for the trading of various agricultural commodities like maize, soybeans, wheat and other crops.