Maize starch market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian maize starch market expanded significantly from 141 thousand tons in 2018 to 282 thousand tons in 2023, driven primarily by the consistent growth of domestic production. This expansion was fueled by producers increasing profitability and focusing on the internal market, with new projects emerging in anticipation of industry shifts following the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising interest in modified food starches, where native maize starch is a leader, further stimulated both production and consumption during this period.

The market's growth continued through 2022 and 2023, supported by international sanctions and import restrictions which acted as a catalyst for import substitution. State support and activated investments into capacity expansion reinforced this trend. The development of new segments, such as biodegradable packaging based on maize starch, alongside new labeling and packaging requirements aimed at market transparency, created additional avenues for industry development.

A market correction occurred in 2024, with the market volume decreasing to 260 thousand tons and production falling to 286 thousand tons, linked to adjustments in output volumes for related co-products like corn gluten and oil. Despite this, the ongoing influence of sanctions continued to shape the market, supporting domestic production and facilitating an increase in exports, which grew in 2025 even as production volumes experienced a further moderate decline.

Production maize starch in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Russia ranked 23rd globally in maize starch production.

Top producers of maize starch, 2018-2021

World map of production of maize starch, 2018-2021

Russia's maize starch production grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 296.6 thousand tons of maize starch, representing a 41.9% increase compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 75.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 20.6%.

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

Exports maize starch from Russia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2021, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Russia's cross-border shipments of maize starch totaled 43 579 tons, marking an 87.3% increase from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 22 648 tons, with the largest decline of 28.3% occurring that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three main markets—Uzbekistan, Belarus, and Kazakhstan—collectively accounted for 60.7% of Russia's total maize starch exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export values dropped to their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2021, with a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2021, maize starch deliveries from Russia were valued at 16 966 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp rise of 109.5% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 8 099 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 19.6% occurring in 2019.

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

Over the period 2018–2021, Uzbekistan (23.0% of exports in value terms), Belarus (20.9%), and Kazakhstan (15.3%) were the primary buyers of maize starch from Russia, jointly accounting for 59.1% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports maize starch to Russia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Russia's maize starch import volumes increased. In 2021, the import volume was recorded at 4 369 tons, up by 12.8% from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 3.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 3 874 tons, and the largest decline of 13.0% occurred in 2019.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Germany (40.1% of imports in volume terms), Italy (17.6%), and France (14.1%) formed the core of Russia's maize starch imports, together accounting for 71.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Russia's maize starch import value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Russia imported maize starch worth 6 212 thousand US dollars, which is 9.2% higher compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 32.8%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 9.9%.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Germany (51.1% of imports in value terms), Italy (15.7%), and France (11.7%) remained the key sources for Russia's maize starch imports, together accounting for 78.4% of total import flows.

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

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