Potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets market in China, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Chinese potato flour market experienced initial challenges followed by growth. In 2018, the industry faced overcapacity and weak demand for low-end products, although major players like Inner Mongolia Nailun began expanding their presence. The following year, broader economic downturn and complex international conditions contributed to a slight market contraction. However, in 2020, despite COVID-19 supply chain disruptions, the market volume increased as manufacturers shifted their product mix toward higher-quality potato flour to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Market expansion continued from 2021 to 2022, primarily fueled by the transformation of the sour-spicy potato starch sector from traditional catering to instant food products, which boosted demand for potato flour as a key ingredient. Concurrently, national food security policies and stable potato cultivation supported production. The market reached over 603 thousand tons in 2022, though structural issues like overproduction of low-grade items persisted. New industry standards, such as T/YZSA 002-2022 for potato noodles, also helped regulate product quality.

In 2023, the market volume declined to 582 thousand tons, corrected by the ongoing surplus of low-quality output and a maturing instant food segment. During this period, companies focused on technological upgrades and new product development, while items like 'flowing wide noodles' gained export certifications. Looking ahead to 2024, trade policy adjustments, including anti-dumping reviews on EU potato starch imports, and further refinement of industry standards are set to shape the market landscape.

Production potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China maintained its position as the world's leading producer of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets.

Top producers of potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets, 2017-2020

In 2020, China produced 561.5 thousand tons of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets, marking a modest increase of 3.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 0.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

China's production of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 880.0 million US dollars, up by 9.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 26.5%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 8.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 688.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 1.0%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 17.1%.

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

Exports potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets from China

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced notable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 539 tons, representing a sharp decline of 55.1% compared to 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 201 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 75.5%. Overall, exports varied by 2.2 times between these two years.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea, Malaysia, and Hong Kong were the key partners for China's exports of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets in volume terms. South Korea accounted for 23.8% of exports, Malaysia for 15.6%, and Hong Kong for 11.0%. Together, these three countries represented 50.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend over these years. In 2020, cross-border shipments of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets from China amounted to 845 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 52.8% from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 788 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 107.3%. Overall, exports varied by 2.1 times between 2019 and 2020.

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

The partner structure for exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented, with no single country dominating. South Korea accounted for 26.6% of exports, Malaysia for 13.0%, and Thailand for 10.3%. Together, these three partners represented 49.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets to China

Imports in kind, t

The market showed volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 7 916 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 17.2%. In 2020, imports surged to 22 769 tons, indicating a sharp rise of 187.6% compared to the previous year. Overall, import levels fluctuated by 2.9 times between 2019 and 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United States remained the main suppliers of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets to China in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 44.9% of imports, Belgium for 15.5%, and the United States for 15.1%. Together, these three countries formed 75.5% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market during these years. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 11 104 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 11.5% in 2018. In 2020, imports amounted to 29 377 thousand US dollars, up by 164.6% from the previous year. Overall, imports varied by 2.6 times between 2019 and 2020.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United States, and Belgium were the key sources for China's imports of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 42.6% of imports, the United States for 17.8%, and Belgium for 16.4%. Together, these three countries accounted for 76.8% of total import flows.

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

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