Maize starch market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for maize starch in the Netherlands grew from 448 thousand tons in 2018 to 474 thousand tons in 2023, despite a notable contraction to 427 thousand tons in 2021. This overall expansion was supported by sustained activity from key producers and evolving demand from the food industry.

Major players such as Avebe U.A., along with international firms like Cargill and Ingredion, invested in production capacity and innovation throughout the period. The EU Single-Use Plastics Directive encouraged the development of bio-based and biodegradable starch products, opening new applications. Concurrently, shifting consumer preferences towards clean-label and organic foods drove manufacturers to offer specialized starch solutions.

Technological advancements, including enzymatic modification and improved extraction methods, enhanced the functionality of maize starch, reinforcing its role in processed and convenience foods. Fluctuations in corn prices influenced production costs, contributing to market volatility, particularly around the 2021 downturn.

Production maize starch in the Netherlands

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands maintained the 12th position globally in terms of maize starch production volume.

Top producers of maize starch, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize starch, 2017-2020

Following a two-year period of growth, maize starch production in the Netherlands experienced a decline. In 2020, production reached 465.0 K t, marking a 1.7% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production increased by 14.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. The peak production was recorded in 2019 at 473.3 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 12.6%.

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

Exports maize starch from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, maize starch exports from the Netherlands totaled 45 553 t, representing a 17.8% year-over-year decline. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 37.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -14.5%. The most significant decline was observed in 2018 at 30.8%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 9.9%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom formed the core group of markets for maize starch exports in kind. Germany accounted for 38.4% of exports, France for 25.0%, and the United Kingdom for 8.1%, collectively representing 71.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of maize starch exports from the Netherlands reached 31 356 K $ US, showing a 20.2% year-over-year decrease. From 2017 to 2020, export values declined by 29.1%, equating to an annualized rate of -10.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 21.5%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2019 at 13.2%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Germany, France, and Belgium consistently held leading positions in the value-based export structure. Germany represented 39.8% of export value, France 21.7%, and Belgium 7.4%, together accounting for 68.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports maize starch to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of growth, maize starch imports to the Netherlands declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 39 108 t, reflecting a substantial 13.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 7.5%, with an annualized growth rate of 2.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 45 140 t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 12.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Belgium were the primary sources for maize starch imports to the Netherlands in kind. Germany contributed 37.0% of imports, France 30.0%, and Belgium 13.4%, collectively representing 80.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year upward trend, the value of maize starch imports to the Netherlands decreased. In 2020, imports registered 27 568 K $ US, indicating a 7.1% decline from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values increased by 18.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 29 683 K $ US, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 20.7%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Germany, France, and Belgium formed the main cluster of markets for maize starch imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 42.0% of import value, France for 22.1%, and Belgium for 11.9%, together representing 76.0% of total import flows.

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

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