Maize starch market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

South Africa's maize starch market volume increased from 33 696 t in 2018 to 44 138 t in 2019. This growth was supported by record local maize production and rising global industrial use of maize for starch and biofuels, which bolstered demand and supply conditions. The market then contracted sharply to 16 085 t in 2020.

After a partial recovery to 18 249 t in 2021, the market stabilized at 18 226 t in 2022. This stability occurred amid higher maize production costs and growing demand for maize in animal feed and biofuels, which influenced starch production dynamics. The market volume subsequently declined to 16 866 t in 2023.

Production maize starch in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of maize starch, 2018-2021

World map of production of maize starch, 2018-2021

South Africa's maize starch production has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 33 491 tonnes of maize starch, marking a gradual year-over-year decrease of 5.7%. Between 2018 and 2021, production fell by 37.9%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 14.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Following a two-year reduction, South Africa's maize starch production value increased in 2021. The output was valued at 16 757 thousand US dollars, up by 6.4% compared to the previous year. However, from 2018 to 2021, production value decreased by 30.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 15 751 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 32.4% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports maize starch from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, South Africa's maize starch exports reached 25 662 tonnes, showing a modest contraction of 5.4% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 3%, with an annualized rate of 1.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 22 875 tonnes, while the highest was in 2020 at 27 135 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 13.6%, and the largest increase was in 2020 at 18.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the core markets for South Africa's maize starch exports in volume terms were Asia, not elsewhere specified (22.6% of exports), Australia (18.9% of exports), and Zimbabwe (9.4% of exports). Together, these three markets accounted for 50.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

South Africa's maize starch exports in value terms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totalled 12 840 thousand US dollars, representing a moderate improvement of 6.7% compared to the prior year. Over the period 2018-2021, exports grew by 8.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 10 558 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 10.9% occurring that year. The largest increase was in 2020 at 14.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the geographical structure of maize starch exports in value terms was highly diversified. Asia, not elsewhere specified (19.4% of exports), Australia (18.4% of exports), and Zimbabwe (12.2% of exports) together accounted for 50.0% of total flows. The remaining 50.0% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports maize starch to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

The maize starch import market in South Africa showed volatility during the observed period. Imports peaked in 2019 at 16 529 tonnes and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a 2.7-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imports amounted to 10 420 tonnes, indicating a significant year-over-year increase of 35.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 53.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 166.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, India (35.7% of imports), Turkey (32.9% of imports), and Brazil (13.6% of imports) were the leading sources for maize starch imports into South Africa in volume terms. Together, these three countries accounted for 82.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

South Africa's maize starch imports in value terms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totalled 4 540 thousand US dollars, which is 40.6% more year-over-year. Over the period 2018-2021, imports grew by 76.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 432 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 5.3% occurring that year.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, three main markets—Turkey, Brazil, and India—together absorbed 69.3% of the total value of maize starch imports into South Africa.

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

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