In early February, the Government reintroduced a ban on maize exports, which was lifted in late October following the bumper crop in 2017 (FPMA Food Policies). The re-implementation of the trade measure reflects an expected fall in the 2018 output from last year’s above-average level, mainly due to dry weather during the growing season. An outbreak of Fall Armyworm contributed to exacerbating the situation. The ban aims to preserve national grain reserves and stem the impact of tighter domestic supplies.