Maize starch market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The maize starch market in SADC recorded a volume of 85 589 t in 2018, a year marked by heat and dryness in key South African growing regions that reduced maize yield prospects. This weather stress contributed to a shift among farmers away from white maize towards more profitable crops like soybeans. By 2019, continued drought conditions lowered maize opening stocks by approximately 60%, which increased reliance on imports and supported the market size, lifting it to 94 444 t.

Market volume fell sharply to 65 767 t in 2020, then recovered to 82 832 t in 2021 before moderating to 78 421 t in 2022. The market stabilized in 2023 at 79 461 t, aided by a record South African maize harvest of 16.4 million tons that improved raw material availability for starch production. Furthermore, high food inflation during this period increased consumer reliance on staple starches like maize starch, supporting domestic consumption.

Production maize starch in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of maize starch, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize starch, 2017-2020

SADC's maize starch production has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 70 424 tonnes, which represents an 18.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 22%, translating to an annualized decline rate of 8.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 91 839 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 1.7% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in SADC in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

SADC's maize starch production has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 31 480 thousand US dollars, marking a 19.1% decrease year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value dropped by 23.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -8.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in SADC in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports maize starch from SADC

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, maize starch exports from SADC increased in 2020. Exports reached 27 043 tonnes, showing a 12.6% rise compared to the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 3.4%, which corresponds to an annualized decline of 1.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 24 008 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year drop of 11.2% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Asia (not elsewhere specified), Australia, and the Philippines were notable buyers of maize starch from SADC, but their combined share was not dominant. Asia accounted for 22.5% of exports in kind, Australia for 17.6%, and the Philippines for 8.2%, totaling 48.3% of all exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, maize starch exports from SADC increased in 2020. Exports were valued at 12 088 thousand US dollars, representing an 11.7% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, export value decreased by 5.3%, equating to an annualized decline of 1.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 10 825 thousand US dollars, with the largest year-on-year drop of 9.3% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, maize starch exports in value terms were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. The top three destinations—Asia (not elsewhere specified), Australia, and the Philippines—together accounted for just 44.2% of total flows. Asia represented 19.6% of exports in value, Australia 17.5%, and the Philippines 7.1%.

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

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

Imports maize starch to SADC

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, maize starch imports into SADC declined in 2020. Import volume totaled 22 387 tonnes, indicating a 30.5% decrease year-on-year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 21.7%, which corresponds to an annualized growth rate of 6.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 32 206 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 54.9% also occurring that year.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, India, Turkey, and China were the leading sources of maize starch imports into SADC in kind. India accounted for 32.8% of imports, Turkey for 19.6%, and China for 4.7%, jointly representing 57.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

SADC's maize starch imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 11 687 thousand US dollars, showing a 5.9% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 14.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, maize starch imports into SADC in value terms came from many different markets. Even the largest suppliers—India, Turkey, and China—together represented only 44.9% of total imports.

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

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