Maize bran, sharps and residues market in China

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the market volume for maize bran, sharps and residues in China fluctuated, reaching a peak of 1.55 million tons in 2019 before declining sharply to 1.40 million tons in 2020. The initial growth was supported by the reform of the corn temporary storage policy, which activated the industrial chain. The subsequent drop was primarily driven by surging corn prices, as high demand for feed corn from the pork industry made raw material costs prohibitive for processors, reducing the output of milling by-products.

Market volume recovered to 1.48 million tons in 2021, aided by policy auctions that stabilized corn prices and the establishment of a protein feed bio-manufacturing innovation consortium, which encouraged processing activity. From 2022 to 2023, the market stabilized around 1.47 million tons. This period was characterized by price volatility for corn by-products, shifts in consumption patterns as wheat substitution in feed increased, and weather impacts on corn quality in key growing regions, which collectively influenced production levels.

Throughout the period, the rapid expansion of the fresh corn market segment diversified corn usage, while revised pesticide registration regulations affected upstream crop production. Technological advances in processing and fresh-keeping methods also contributed to market development, though the core driver remained the balance between corn feedstock costs and demand from the feed and processing sectors.

Production maize bran, sharps and residues in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China held the third position globally in the production of maize bran, sharps, and residues.

Top producers of maize bran, sharps and residues, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize bran, sharps and residues, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, China's production of maize bran, sharps, and residues experienced a decline. In 2020, China produced 1 412 K t of these products, marking a modest decrease of 9.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 4.3%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 558 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports maize bran, sharps and residues from China

Exports in kind, t

China's cross-border shipments of maize bran, sharps, and residues increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, China exported 12 095 t of these products, showing a solid uptick of 15.1% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 177.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40.5%.

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

During the period from 2017 to 2020, Japan, Bangladesh, and Turkey were the main destinations for China's exports of maize bran, sharps, and residues in kind. Japan accounted for 42.7% of exports, Bangladesh for 19.7%, and Turkey for 8.9%. Together, these three countries represented 71.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of maize bran, sharps, and residues leaving China rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, export volume reached 4 254 K US dollars, up by 30.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 416.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 72.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, Bangladesh, and India remained the key partners in China's exports of maize bran, sharps, and residues in value terms. Japan contributed 30.4% of export value, Bangladesh 28.4%, and India 9.8%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 68.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports maize bran, sharps and residues to China

Imports in kind, t

The market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2017, with a 155-fold difference between these years. In 2020, China imported 0.5 t of maize bran, sharps, and residues, representing a steep decline of 98.0% compared to 2019. The largest decrease was recorded in 2018 at 98.6%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a rise of 2,150.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand consistently dominated China's imports of maize bran, sharps, and residues in kind, accounting for 73.7% of total imports. This indicates a high concentration on the Thai market, with the remaining share distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Imports bottomed in 2018 and peaked in 2017, differing by a factor of 39. In 2020, deliveries of maize bran, sharps, and residues to China totaled 2 K US dollars, down by 94.3% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 K US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 97.4%, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a rise of 1,896.2%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Thailand and Germany were the main sources for China's imports of maize bran, sharps, and residues in value terms. Together, they accounted for 92.9% of total import flows, with the remaining share split among other markets.

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

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