Maize starch market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The maize starch market in Western Asia expanded significantly from 360.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 496.5 thousand tons in 2020, a growth of over 37%. This rise was primarily driven by increasing consumer demand for modified starches to enhance product functionality and the expansion of healthy food segments, including non-GMO and functional starches. Additionally, the entry of new players with investments in production capacity and changes in distribution policies that improved access to retail chains facilitated greater market availability and consumption.

Following the peak in 2020, market volume contracted to 461.0 thousand tons in 2021, reflecting a post-pandemic stabilization after the surge in demand during COVID-19. The market recovered to 496.3 thousand tons in 2022, supported by continued policies favoring local production, subsidies, and the launch of new production facilities in the region. In 2023, market volume declined to 426.0 thousand tons.

Production maize starch in Western Asia

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 Western Asia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 520.4 K t, marking a controlled year-on-year growth of 5.8%. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 36.9%, which translates to an annualized rate of 11.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Maize starch production in Western Asia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 252.4 M $ US, up by 23.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 78.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports maize starch from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year advance, maize starch export volumes from Western Asia declined. In 2020, exports totaled 165.1 K t, representing a 16.0% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 9.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.0%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 196.5 K t, with the largest increase of 24.8% also occurring in that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, maize starch exports from Western Asia were widely dispersed across partner countries. Nigeria accounted for 17.2% of exports in kind, Asia (not elsewhere specified) for 9.1%, and Sudan for 4.0%. Together, these three countries represented only 30.3% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year increase, exported maize starch volumes from Western Asia declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 80 117 K $ US, which is 2.3% less than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 42.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 81 967 K $ US, with the largest increase of 32.1% also in that year.

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

The structure of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 points to a diversified set of partners. Nigeria accounted for 16.1% of exports in value terms, Asia (not elsewhere specified) for 8.7%, and Sudan for 4.0%. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for only 28.8% of total flows, while the remaining 71.2% was dispersed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports maize starch to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year increase, maize starch import volumes into Western Asia declined. In 2020, imports were recorded at 141.2 K t, reflecting a reduction of 1.7% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 21.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.8%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 143.7 K t, with the largest increase of 21.7% also in that year.

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

The structure of imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 can be described as diversified. India accounted for 17.1% of imports in kind, Egypt for 16.3%, and Ukraine for 7.4%. Together, these three countries accounted for just 40.7% of total flows, with no country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign maize starch supplies to Western Asia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 80 117 K $ US, representing a modest gain of 5.4% year-on-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 33%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, maize starch imports into Western Asia were supplied to a broad set of markets. Egypt accounted for 15.8% of imports in value terms, India for 14.3%, and Ukraine for 6.2%. Together, these three countries accounted for only 36.2% of total imports in value terms, while many smaller destinations formed the remaining 63.8%.

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

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