Maize starch market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The maize starch market in the MENA region grew consistently from 524.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 681.7 thousand tons in 2023, supported by a steady rise in domestic production from 425.4 thousand tons to 545.0 thousand tons over the same period. This expansion was only briefly interrupted in 2021 when the market size dipped to 613.3 thousand tons.

Growth resumed in 2022 as the market reached 639.8 thousand tons. This increase was driven primarily by rising regional demand for processed foods and clean-label products, which boosted consumption. Additionally, global investments in sustainable production technologies and capacity expansions by major manufacturers helped improve supply availability, facilitating market growth even amid broader supply chain challenges.

Preliminary data for 2024 suggests a shifting global context, with reports indicating a decline in worldwide maize starch production and consumption volumes that may influence regional supply and pricing. Throughout the period, the MENA market maintained active import and export flows, reflecting its integrated position in the global starch trade.

Production maize starch in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize starch, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize starch, 2017-2020

MENA's maize starch production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 463.8 K t of maize starch, marking a 4.0% rise compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 6.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 2.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 425.4 K t, with the largest decline of 2.3% occurring that same year. In contrast, the most significant increase was observed in 2019, when production jumped by 4.8%.

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

Exports maize starch from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, MENA exported 41.4 K t of maize starch, representing a 12.0% year-over-year increase. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 43.5 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 14.9%, while the most substantial increase was in 2018, surging by 230.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, maize starch exports in kind were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Kenya accounted for 9.3% of exports, Afghanistan for 2.4%, and Nigeria for 1.8%. Together, these three countries made up just 13.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data indicates irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Export values fluctuated significantly, with a 2.9-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, MENA exported 40 045 K $ US of maize starch, showing a modest reduction of 3.1% compared to 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 41 311 K $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 84.1%.

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

During the period from 2017 to 2020, maize starch exports in value terms from MENA were spread across numerous markets. Kenya contributed 8.4% of export value, Afghanistan 1.7%, and Nigeria 1.6%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 11.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports maize starch to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

MENA's imported maize starch volumes have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 204.4 K t, up by 24.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 22.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.0%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 142.5 K t, with the largest decline of 14.6% occurring that same year.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey, India, and Ukraine formed the core of maize starch imports in kind for MENA. Turkey accounted for 31.9% of imports, India for 14.1%, and Ukraine for 6.0%. Together, these three countries represented 51.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign maize starch supplies to MENA have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 96 349 K $ US, corresponding to an 18.2% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 39%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of imports in value terms was scattered. Turkey accounted for 28.3% of import value, India for 12.0%, and Spain for 5.3%. Together, these three countries made up just 45.5% of total flows, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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