Maize starch market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The maize starch market in Western Africa grew from 532.4 thousand tons in 2018 to 587.9 thousand tons in 2020. This expansion was supported by the entry of new players and the expansion of production capacities, which increased the availability of starch. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 maintained demand from the food and pharmaceutical sectors despite global supply chain disruptions, contributing to market growth.

After stabilizing at 588.1 thousand tons in 2021, the market volume contracted to 536.5 thousand tons by 2023. This decline was primarily due to a sharp drop in imports, which fell from 130.4 thousand tons in 2020 to 55.7 thousand tons in 2023, as volatility in corn prices driven by extreme weather and geopolitical tensions made imported starch more costly. Meanwhile, domestic production rose steadily, supported by strengthened agricultural policies and capacity expansions by major manufacturers.

Recent factors include favorable climatic conditions, investments in enzymatic extraction technologies, and the launch of new non-GMO starch products by companies like Ingredion. Updates to food regulations regarding ingredient transparency and safety continue to shape product development and market access.

Production maize starch in Western Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize starch, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize starch, 2017-2020

In Western Africa, maize starch production reached 457.7 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a slight increase of 0.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 24.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 466.9 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 27.3%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant decline, with production falling by 2.7%.

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

Exports maize starch from Western Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Maize starch exports from Western Africa showed notable fluctuations during the period. Volumes peaked in 2017 and then dropped to their lowest point in 2019, representing a 12.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports totaled 0.2 thousand tonnes, reflecting a substantial year-on-year increase of 68.5%. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.1 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 83.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Belgium were notable buyers of maize starch from Western Africa, though their combined share was not dominant. The United Kingdom accounted for 8.3% of exports in kind, the United States for 1.5%, and Belgium for 0.9%, totaling just 10.7% of overall exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market for maize starch exports from Western Africa exhibited volatility over the observed period. There was a 7.8-fold variation between the peak in 2017 and the low in 2018. In 2020, cross-border shipments were valued at 202 thousand US dollars, showing a rise of 21.4% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 111 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 87.2%. Conversely, 2019 experienced the most significant increase, with a jump of 49.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, maize starch from Western Africa was exported to various markets, with even the largest destinations accounting for a relatively small share. The United Kingdom, the United States, and the Netherlands together represented only 10.9% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports maize starch to Western Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Maize starch imports into Western Africa increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 130.4 thousand tonnes, which was a steep gain of 28.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 58.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.6%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 65.7 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 20.1%. In contrast, 2019 registered the largest increase, with imports rising by 54.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, China, and India consistently held leading positions in the import structure for maize starch in kind. Turkey accounted for 52.2% of imports, China for 14.7%, and India for 7.1%, together representing 74.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Maize starch imports into Western Africa rose for the second year in a row in 2020, reaching 69 269 thousand US dollars, a dramatic uptick of 57.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 75%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 20.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 30 236 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 23.6%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Turkey, China, and India stood out as the main markets for maize starch imports in value terms. Turkey accounted for 49.5% of imports, China for 18.0%, and India for 7.6%, collectively representing 75.0% of total import flows.

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

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