Maize starch market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian maize starch market in volume terms grew steadily from 86.6 K t in 2018 to a peak of 95.5 K t in 2022. This expansion coincided with the initial preparation of a new EU regulation for plant propagating material in 2019, which aimed to establish unified rules and a Union registry, potentially supporting longer-term corn cultivation prospects for starch production. After the peak, market volume dropped to 86.3 K t in 2023 before a partial recovery to 87.6 K t in 2024.

In value terms, the market experienced significant fluctuations, with its worth soaring to $28.6 million in 2022 from $17.6 million the previous year, despite only a modest volume increase. This sharp price-driven surge was primarily linked to global supply chain disruptions and commodity price shocks, including those stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which elevated raw material and energy costs. By 2024, the market value had retreated to $19.3 million, reflecting an easing of these external price pressures.

Trade data for 2025 points to a strongly export-oriented market, with exports reaching 44.4 K t against imports of 4.7 K t. This trend is supported by concrete industry developments, including a major investment of over HUF 3 billion by KALL Ingredients to produce GMO-free maize starch from Hungarian corn. Furthermore, amended product market legislation introduced stricter quality objection rules for corn acceptance, incorporating independent inspections to curb market abuses.

Production maize starch in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Hungary's maize starch production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output reached 27 867 thousand US dollars, marking a 6.3% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 21.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 22 712 thousand US dollars, which saw a decline of 0.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with production rising by 15.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Hungary ranked 25th globally in maize starch production volume.

Top producers of maize starch, 2018-2021

World map of production of maize starch, 2018-2021

Hungary's maize starch production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 121.8 thousand tonnes, up 2.2% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 18.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports maize starch from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Hungary exported 30 453 tonnes of maize starch, showing no significant change from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 68.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 30 455 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 65.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the leading destinations for Hungary's maize starch exports in volume terms were Poland, accounting for 41.4% of exports, Italy at 25.7%, and Croatia at 11.5%. Together, these three countries represented 78.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Hungary's maize starch exports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export value reached 12 773 thousand US dollars, a 2.8% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 66.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 18.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, Poland, Italy, and Croatia were the main markets for Hungary's maize starch exports in value terms. Poland accounted for 46.0% of export value, Italy for 21.3%, and Croatia for 11.0%, together representing 78.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports maize starch to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Hungary's maize starch imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 2 666 tonnes, showing a solid 11.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 43.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Serbia, Italy, and France consistently led Hungary's maize starch imports in volume terms. Serbia accounted for 21.9% of imports, Italy for 19.3%, and France for 15.3%, together representing 56.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Hungary's maize starch imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import value reached 2 553 thousand US dollars, a strong 11.4% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 21.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 090 thousand US dollars, which saw a decline of 0.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021