Maize starch market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The maize starch market in Sub-Saharan Africa grew from 668.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 715.2 thousand tons in 2021. This expansion was fueled by rising global demand for processed and convenience foods, which increased consumption of maize starch as a key ingredient. The entry of new product segments focused on natural and organic components further stimulated market volume, while regulatory shifts toward clean labeling in some countries reinforced this trend. During 2020, supply chain disruptions from the pandemic and climatic events affected raw material availability, but demand for modified starch in pharmaceuticals and processed foods helped stabilize the market.

After peaking in 2021, the market contracted to 664.3 thousand tons in 2022 and 654.6 thousand tons in 2023. Persistent volatility in corn prices raised production costs and dampened consumption. Climatic factors and geopolitical tensions continued to influence corn availability and pricing, sustaining pressure on the market. Alongside these drivers, regulatory changes in some markets strengthened traceability and food safety requirements, shaping industry practices during the downturn.

Throughout the period, major companies expanded production capacities to meet demand, and investments flowed into research and development for diversified starch applications. Innovations in extraction technology and a growing focus on plant-based, hypoallergenic ingredients marked the industry's adaptation to evolving consumer preferences and sustainability trends.

Production maize starch in Sub-Saharan Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize starch, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize starch, 2017-2020

Maize starch production in Sub-Saharan Africa has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 539.9 thousand tons, representing a 2.5% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 14.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 572.1 thousand tons, which saw a significant increase of 21.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest decline of 3.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of maize starch output in Sub-Saharan Africa was $348.3 million, marking an 8.8% drop from 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 6.7%, translating to an average annual decline of 2.3%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at $382.1 million, which also saw the largest increase of 2.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports maize starch from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Maize starch exports from Sub-Saharan Africa have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 27.4 thousand tons, showing a strong growth of 14.0% compared to the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports overall decreased by 5.7%, with an average annual decline of 1.9%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 19.1 thousand tons, which saw the largest drop of 34.5%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the biggest increase of 26.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure for maize starch in volume terms was quite diversified. Asia (not elsewhere specified) accounted for 21.6% of exports, Australia for 16.9%, and the Philippines for 7.8%. Together, these three regions made up just 46.3% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, the value of maize starch exports from Sub-Saharan Africa has increased. In 2020, exports totaled $12.391 million, reflecting a moderate rise of 9.8% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 timeframe, export value fell by 10.6%, with an average annual decrease of 3.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at $11.283 million, while 2018 saw the largest decline of 12.2%.

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

The market base for maize starch exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was broad. Asia (not elsewhere specified) represented 18.8% of export value, Australia 16.8%, and the Philippines 6.8%. Combined, these three accounted for only 42.3% of total flows, with the remaining 57.7% distributed among numerous other countries.

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

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports maize starch to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Maize starch imports into Sub-Saharan Africa have grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to a total volume, equivalent to a 10.9% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports surged by 45.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.3%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 115.6 thousand tons, which also experienced the largest decline of 8.0%. In 2019, imports saw the biggest jump of 42.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, India, and China were the key partners for maize starch imports into Sub-Saharan Africa in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 38.3% of imports, India for 16.1%, and China for 11.3%. Together, these three countries represented 65.6% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Maize starch deliveries to Sub-Saharan Africa have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at $93.943 million, showing a sharp rise of 36.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 54.2%, equating to an average annual increase of 15.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at $53.260 million, which saw the largest decline of 12.6%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Turkey, China, and India were the main destinations for maize starch imports into Sub-Saharan Africa in value terms. Turkey accounted for 37.3% of import value, China for 13.8%, and India for 13.6%. Collectively, these three countries absorbed 64.8% of total imports.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020