Dextrins and other modified starches market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish market for dextrins and modified starches experienced significant expansion in physical volume from 93 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 125 thousand tons in 2021, followed by a contraction to 87 thousand tons in 2024. In value terms, however, the market demonstrated consistent growth, rising from $88.5 million to $137.8 million over the same period, indicating a shift towards higher-value products or increased unit prices.

In the latter part of the period, the market was shaped by a stable regulatory environment, including Spanish Royal Decree 142/2002 and subsequent EU regulations governing the use of these products as food additives. Growing consumer preference for clean-label and natural ingredients spurred demand for modified starches derived from natural sources. Simultaneously, fluctuations in global prices for raw materials like corn and wheat affected production costs and margins. The domestic company Modificados y Dextrinas SA maintained a stable market position, reflecting ongoing activity in the sector.

Production dextrins and other modified starches in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Spain's production of dextrins and other modified starches has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 26 770 thousand US dollars, marking a 25.8% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 28.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 8.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 18 989 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 8.8% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Production of dextrins and other modified starches in Spain has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, Spain produced 49 594 tonnes, showing a strong increase of 19.4% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production expanded by 31.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.6%. The minimum output was in 2018 at 36 992 tonnes, and the largest drop of 1.9% was also recorded that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports dextrins and other modified starches from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Spain's exports of dextrins and other modified starches have increased. In 2020, exports reached 5 929 tonnes, up by 7.6% compared to 2019. However, between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 36.4%, averaging an annual decline of 14.0%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 5 509 tonnes, with the sharpest decrease of 35.3% occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, Italy, and Algeria were the top destinations for Spain's exports of dextrins and other modified starches in volume terms. Portugal accounted for 48.9% of exports, Italy for 9.2%, and Algeria for 5.0%, combining for a total share of 63.1% of all export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Spain's exports of dextrins and other modified starches have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 6 890 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 3.1% contraction compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 29.1%, with an annualized rate of decline of 10.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Portugal, Italy, and France—collectively absorbed 50.6% of the total value of Spain's exports of dextrins and other modified starches.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020

Imports dextrins and other modified starches to Spain

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Spain's imports of dextrins and other modified starches amounted to 64 448 tonnes, showing a modest year-over-year reduction of 6.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 68 780 tonnes, with the largest increase of 6.3% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Germany were the main sources for Spain's imports of dextrins and other modified starches in volume terms, together accounting for 73.4% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year rise, Spain's imports of dextrins and other modified starches have declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 74 524 thousand US dollars, representing a gradual year-over-year loss of 4.4%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 5.3%, with an annualized growth rate of 1.8%. The peak value was in 2019 at 77 982 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase of 9.4% was recorded in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017-2020, three principal markets—the Netherlands, France, and Germany—together accounted for 76.1% of the total value of Spain's imports of dextrins and other modified starches.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020