Maize starch market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The maize starch market in Northern Africa showed overall growth from 2018 to 2023, with market volume increasing from 371 thousand tons to 471 thousand tons. This expansion was underpinned by consistent rises in domestic production, which grew from 371 thousand tons to 465 thousand tons over the period, despite a temporary dip in consumption during 2019.

From 2021, stronger global demand for maize starch, driven by rising consumption of sweets and ready-to-eat foods, provided additional momentum to the market. In 2022, water scarcity in North Africa posed challenges for agriculture, yet production and market volume continued to grow. By 2024, the adoption of precision agriculture gained ground to improve water efficiency, while Egyptian maize starch exports increased, reflecting enhanced regional trade opportunities.

The period also saw sustained interest in agricultural sustainability and infrastructure improvements, which supported the market's resilience and expansion amid environmental constraints.

Production maize starch in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize starch, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize starch, 2017-2020

Maize starch production in Northern Africa has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 392.2 K t, reflecting a 2.3% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 370.8 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 1.9%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a growth of 3.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output value of maize starch in Northern Africa was 167.8 M $ US, marking a moderate rise of 6.6% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 14.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 2.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a growth of 10.3%.

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

Exports maize starch from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Import levels varied significantly, with a 5.3-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, Northern Africa's maize starch export volume totaled 63 565 t, which is 5.6% lower than in 2019. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 67 370 t, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a growth of 140.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest buyers of maize starch from Northern Africa in terms of volume were Syria (23.5% of exports), Saudi Arabia (20.2% of exports), and Kenya (13.9% of exports). Together, these three countries accounted for 57.6% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export volumes peaked in 2019 and reached their lowest point in 2017, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 5.7 times. In 2020, Northern Africa's maize starch export value came to 27 198 K $ US, representing a slight decline of 1.6% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 27 640 K $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a growth of 170.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Syria (23.3% of exports in value terms), Saudi Arabia (20.3% of exports in value terms), and Kenya (13.9% of exports in value terms) continued to lead as the top buyers of maize starch from Northern Africa. Collectively, they accounted for 57.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports maize starch to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

Northern Africa's maize starch import volume has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached approximately 64 203 t, up by 64.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 46.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 30 930 t, which also saw the largest decline of 29.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey (48.8% of imports in volume), India (10.2% of imports in volume), and Spain (5.2% of imports in volume) accounted for the largest share of imports. Together, they comprised 64.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Maize starch imports into Northern Africa have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports registered 27 424 K $ US, reflecting an advance of 58.2% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 41.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 15 067 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 22.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey (45.9% of imports in value terms), India (11.0% of imports in value terms), and Spain (5.5% of imports in value terms) were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of maize starch imports to Northern Africa. Their combined share accounted for 62.3% of total import flows.

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

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