Maize starch market in Senegal

Earlier Report Observations

The maize starch market in Senegal saw initial support in 2018 from a VAT reform that reduced business operating costs and from the cost advantage held by the industrial processor Mamelles Jaboot in transforming local maize. However, market volume declined over the next two years, even as raw maize output remained relatively stable in 2020.

Market volume recovered in 2021 and stabilized in 2022. Production of starch increased in 2022, aided by a 4% rise in the domestic maize harvest. This growth was further supported by rising demand from the commercial poultry sector, which benefited from investment and protection from international competition.

A significant expansion occurred in 2023, driven by a 16% surge in national cereal production. This jump was fueled by favorable rainfall and improved access to state-subsidized fertilizers. Government policy played a key role, with a record 120 billion FCFA budget allocated for the agricultural campaign and initiatives promoting contract farming between local producers and industrial users to reduce import reliance. Into 2024, enhanced regulation and improved supplies of local grain continued to shape the market's foundation.

Production maize starch in Senegal

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Senegal ranked as the 22nd largest producer of maize starch globally, positioning it among the world's leading producers during this period.

Top producers of maize starch, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize starch, 2017-2020

Senegal's maize starch production declined for the second year in a row in 2020, reaching 219.9 thousand tonnes. This represented a modest decrease of 6.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 39.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.8%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 252.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 60.0%.

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

Exports maize starch from Senegal

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of maize starch from Senegal showed significant volatility between 2017 and 2020. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 60 tonnes, marking an 11.0% decline. The following year, exports surged to 129 tonnes in 2020, representing a 113.9% increase from 2019 and reaching the peak for the period. The difference between the lowest and highest export years was 2.1-fold.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Senegal's maize starch exports were geographically dispersed. The top three destinations—Gambia (19.1% of export volume), Guinea (11.9%), and Côte d'Ivoire (11.6%)—collectively accounted for 42.6% of total exports. The remaining 57.4% was distributed across a wide range of other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Senegal's maize starch exports in value terms grew for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 75 thousand US dollars. This represented an 86.1% increase over the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value rose by 145%, with an average annual growth rate of 34.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Senegal's maize starch exports in value terms were not highly concentrated. The top three markets—Gambia (19.8% of export value), Guinea (11.1%), and Mali (10.6%)—together captured 41.4% of total export value, with the rest spread across numerous other destinations.

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

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

Imports maize starch to Senegal

Imports in kind, t

Senegal's maize starch imports in volume terms stood at 13 469 tonnes in 2020, up 14.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 22.1%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 6.9%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 14 090 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 27.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest decline of 16.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Spain, and Brazil remained the primary suppliers of maize starch to Senegal in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 61.1% of imports, Spain for 11.6%, and Brazil for 8.6%, together forming 81.3% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Senegal's maize starch imports in value terms reached 6 119 thousand US dollars, a 20.3% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 22.9%, with an average annual rate of 7.1%. The peak was in 2018 at 6 782 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest annual increase of 36.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 25.0% drop.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Turkey, Spain, and Brazil were the key partners for Senegal's maize starch imports in value terms. Turkey contributed 62.8% of import value, Spain 12.2%, and Brazil 7.2%, collectively representing 82.3% of total import value.

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

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