The Huang-Huai-Hai region is one of the most important main producing areas for maize production in China. Quantifying the energy use efficiency and net ecosystem carbon budget of maize production in this area is of great significance for improving resource use efficiency and achieving carbon neutrality. Based on the national statistical panel data, the energy use efficiency and net ecosystem carbon budget of maize production in Huang-Huai-Hai region (including Hebei Province, Henan Province, Shandong Province, Anhui Province, and Jiangsu province) were quantified, and their spatial and temporal variation characteristics were clarified by integrated using the methods of life cycle assessment, energy analysis, and carbon balance analysis. The results showed that the mean energy use efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, net ecosystem carbon budget, and carbon based sustainability index of maize production in Huang-Huai-Hai area were 3.9, 3.8 t CO₂-eq/hm², 12.6 t C/hm², and 6.8, respectively. There were significant differences in the energy use efficiency and net ecosystem carbon budget of maize production in the Huang-Huai-Hai region among years. The energy use efficiency was highest in 2012 which was 4.3 and that in 2005 and 2007 was lowest, which were both at 3.7. The net ecosystem carbon budget was highest in 2015 which was 14.2 t C/hm², while that in 2005 was lowest which at 10.1 t C/hm². The energy use efficiency, net ecosystem carbon budget, and carbon based sustainability index of maize production in Hebei Province were the highest, which were higher than the regional average of 15.3%, 9.6%, and 26.4%, respectively, and 45.5%, 22.0% and 88.8% higher than that in Jiangsu Province, respectively. The comprehensive scores considering above mentioned indicators for maize production of Hebei Province, Henan Province and Shandong Province were all positive. The three provinces (Hebei Province, Henan Province and Shandong Province) had high resource use efficiency, ecological and environmental benefits. Resource inputs, energy use efficiency, ecological and environmental benefits, and net ecosystem carbon budget of maize production in Huang-Huai-Hai region were different on the spatial and temporal scales. Regionally specific optimization management strategies should be formulated to reduce the application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, for instance, using enhanced efficiency fertilizers (e.g., controlled release fertilizers) and applying high use efficiency biological pesticides, etc. Conservation tillage measures such as straw returning should be adopted actively to promote the development of scalable and mechanized maize production, and realize the sustainable development of maize production in the main producing area of maize in China.