Maize starch market in Egypt

Earlier Report Observations

The maize starch market in Egypt saw its volume drop to 303.6 thousand tons in 2019 before entering a phase of consistent growth, reaching 396.2 thousand tons by 2023. This expansion coincided with a steady increase in domestic production, which rose from 357.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 448.6 thousand tons in 2023.

Market growth in the latter part of the period was supported by developments in the raw corn sector. Projections for the 2023-2024 season indicated higher Egyptian corn production and consumption, improving input availability for starch manufacturers. Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture's introduction of contract farming for corn, with a guaranteed price set at 6 000 EGP per ton, aimed to boost local cultivation and reduce import dependency.

Industry-specific dynamics also played a role. By 2024, major processor Al-Zumurda for Starch and Glucose had increased its export share to approximately 60% of production and announced plans for new product lines. Concurrently, a decline in global corn prices to an average of $260 per ton in 2024 from $330-350 in 2023 lowered production costs. Rising demand for animal and poultry feed further encouraged the adoption of improved farming practices, supporting the overall supply chain.

Production maize starch in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt ranked 13th globally in maize starch production.

Top producers of maize starch, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize starch, 2017-2020

Egypt's maize starch production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 375.1 K t, marking a 2.2% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 3.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 357.5 K t, which saw the largest decline of 1.6%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019, with a 2.6% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Egypt's maize starch output was valued at 152.5 M $ US, up 4.4% from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 17%, averaging 5.4% growth per year. The largest decrease was in 2019 at 2.5%, while the highest increase was in 2018 with a 15.0% jump.

Annual dynamics of production in Egypt in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports maize starch from Egypt

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 5.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Egypt exported 65 231 t of maize starch, a slight decrease of 4.6% from 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 68 409 t, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 142.5% surge.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the top destinations for Egypt's maize starch exports in volume were Syria (24.1% of total exports), Saudi Arabia (20.7%), and Kenya (14.2%). Together, these three countries accounted for 59.0% of all exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was marked by volatility in these years. Exports hit their lowest in 2017 and peaked in 2019, showing a 6.1-fold variation. In 2020, Egypt's maize starch export value was 26 522 K $ US, down 2.6% from 2019. The highest value was in 2019 at 27 241 K $ US, with the largest increase in 2018 at 183.4%.

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

During 2017-2020, Syria (24.0% of export value), Saudi Arabia (20.9%), and Kenya (14.3%) were the leading markets for Egypt's maize starch exports by value. Combined, they represented 59.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports maize starch to Egypt

Imports in kind, t

Egypt's maize starch imports grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 5 839 t, a 14.0% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 15.6%, with an average annual decline of 5.5%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 4 013 t, which saw the largest drop of 42.0%. The biggest increase was in 2019, with a 27.7% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey (57.0% of import volume), France (20.5%), and the Netherlands (4.9%) were the main sources for Egypt's maize starch imports. Together, they made up 82.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Egypt's maize starch import value increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 858 K $ US, a strong 13.6% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 14.2%, with an average annual decrease of 5.0%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 2 269 K $ US, which experienced the largest decline of 31.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey (57.1% of import value), France (20.6%), and the Netherlands (4.8%) were the primary sources for Egypt's maize starch imports by value. Collectively, they accounted for 82.5% of total imports.

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

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