Maize starch market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. maize starch market volume grew steadily from 17.8 million tons in 2018 to 19.1 million tons in 2021. This upward trajectory was interrupted in 2022 when the market contracted sharply to 17.0 million tons.

Market volume stabilized at 17.0 million tons in 2023. During this period, major manufacturers focused on expanding production capacities to meet rising demand, particularly for natural, clean-label ingredients. The trend toward plant-based and hypoallergenic pharmaceutical ingredients also accelerated the adoption of maize starch as a preferred excipient.

In 2024, key market players continued to drive activity. Archer Daniels Midland and Cargill expanded their corn starch joint venture to enhance production capacity, while DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences launched a new corn starch product line designed for improved texture in food applications. Regulatory updates, including the U.S. FDA's voluntary standards for ingredient transparency, alongside sustained consumer preference for clean-label and allergen-free products, shaped the evolving market landscape.

Production maize starch in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States maintained its position as the world's leading producer of maize starch.

Top producers of maize starch, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize starch, 2017-2020

Maize starch production in the United States grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 18,891 thousand tons, a slight increase of 1.7% compared to 2019. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 17,884 thousand tons, which represented the largest decline of 4.5% during the period. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 3.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of maize starch output in the United States was $11,172 million, showing a moderate decrease of 4.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value fell by 5.2%, averaging an annual decline of 1.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at $10,541 million, which marked the largest decline of 10.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 11.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports maize starch from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of maize starch from the United States increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 165.3 thousand tons, a sharp rise of 32.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 59.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Mexico and Canada together accounted for 81.6% of the total volume of maize starch exports from the United States, while the remaining share was distributed among smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Maize starch exports from the United States rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value reached $97,779 thousand, representing a gain of 24.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 49.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada (35.9% of export value), Mexico (34.9% of export value), and the United Kingdom (6.2% of export value) were the key destinations for maize starch exports from the United States, collectively accounting for 77.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports maize starch to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, maize starch imports into the United States totaled 60.7 thousand tons, down 7.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 15.2%, with an average annual decline of 5.3%. The largest drop was recorded in 2018 at 13.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 5.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, imports of maize starch into the United States were heavily concentrated on Canada, which made up 79.8% of total volume; other countries accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, maize starch imports into the United States declined. In 2020, imports were valued at approximately $33,461 thousand, reflecting a moderate decrease of 9.2% from the year before. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at $36,866 thousand, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 9.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada (51.7% of import value), Germany (11.7% of import value), and Austria (7.4% of import value) were the main sources for maize starch imports into the United States, together representing 70.8% of total flows.

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

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