Maize starch market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the maize starch market in Slovakia grew steadily, with volume increasing from 191.6 thousand tons to 216.3 thousand tons. This expansion was supported by the ongoing modernization and efficiency improvements at the country's major producer, Amylum Slovakia, which maximized its output capacity. Although maize cultivation faced climatic challenges and the introduction of genetically modified varieties saw limited farmer uptake, production volumes continued to rise.

Market volume stabilized near its peak in 2021 at 213.8 thousand tons. During this period, increased consumer interest in eco-friendly products spurred development in new segments, such as biodegradable tableware made from corn starch. Simultaneously, evolving food industry regulations, including labeling requirements for gluten-free and modified starches, began influencing product offerings and manufacturing practices.

A sharp downturn followed in 2022 and 2023, with market volume collapsing to 69.6 thousand tons. This contraction was primarily driven by historically high global prices for food and raw materials, which significantly raised production costs and pressured the market. Concurrently, the entry of new foreign players increased competition, while consumer preferences shifted decisively toward products with clear origin labeling, organic credentials, and sustainable packaging.

Production maize starch in Slovakia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Slovakia ranked 21st globally in maize starch production.

Top producers of maize starch, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize starch, 2017-2020

Maize starch production in Slovakia grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 232.3 K t, marking a 7.8% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 5.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest output was recorded in 2018 at 210.0 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 4.5%.

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

Exports maize starch from Slovakia

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Slovakia exported 32 394 t of maize starch, a significant 14.9% increase compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 5.9%, with an average annual decline of 2.0%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 28 181 t, while the highest was in 2018 at 34 667 t. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with an 18.7% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Czechia, and Germany were the top destinations for Slovakia's maize starch exports by volume. Poland accounted for 41.2% of exports, Czechia for 18.5%, and Germany for 17.6%, together making up 77.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Slovakia's maize starch exports were valued at 13 635 K $ US, a 6.7% increase from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 12 773 K $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 15 343 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 16.7% drop, whereas the largest increase was in 2018 with an 11.9% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland, Czechia, and Germany remained the primary markets for Slovakia's maize starch exports by value. Poland held 41.5% of export value, Czechia 18.4%, and Germany 17.5%, collectively representing 77.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports maize starch to Slovakia

Imports in kind, t

Slovakia imported approximately 16 447 t of maize starch in 2020, an 11.2% year-over-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 5.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 14 791 t, which also saw the largest decline of 8.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria dominated Slovakia's maize starch imports by volume, accounting for 71.7% of total imports. The remaining imports were distributed among various smaller partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Maize starch imports into Slovakia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 6 104 K $ US, reflecting a strong 13.1% year-over-year improvement. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 21.3%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 6.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and the Netherlands were the key partners for Slovakia's maize starch imports by value. Bulgaria accounted for 54.9% of import value, Ukraine for 11.9%, and the Netherlands for 9.1%, together making up 75.9% of total import flows.

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

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