Potato starch market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Polish potato starch market volume declined from 69.6 thousand tons to 64.5 thousand tons. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 reduced domestic consumption, particularly in the paper industry due to remote learning, while global disruptions led to excess stock in Polish processing plants. Production costs rose, although subsidies for starch potato growers remained in place.

Market volume recovered to 72.7 thousand tons by 2022 before dropping to 67.5 thousand tons in 2023. In value terms, the market grew steadily from $50.5 million in 2021 to $76.0 million in 2023, indicating higher prices or a shift towards more valuable products despite volume volatility.

In 2024, volume edged up to 68.9 thousand tons, while market value reached $80.8 million. This growth was supported by increasing consumer preference for natural and gluten-free foods, boosting demand for potato starch in the food sector. At the same time, expanded potato cultivation area and high production costs, exacerbated by weather disruptions, affected supply. The market continues to be shaped by structural factors such as EU production quotas and the presence of major players like PEPEES S.A.

Production potato starch in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Poland's potato starch production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 106.8 million US dollars, representing a 14.1% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 10.8%, equating to an annualized decline of 3.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 134.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 12.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Poland ranked fourth globally in potato starch production volume.

Top producers of potato starch, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato starch, 2017-2020

After a two-year decline, Poland's potato starch production increased slightly. In 2020, production reached 149.2 thousand tonnes, reflecting a modest rise of 1.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 20.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 147.5 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 21.0%.

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

Exports potato starch from Poland

Exports in kind, K t

Potato starch exports from Poland declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Poland exported 97.5 thousand tonnes, down by 1.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 29.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland's potato starch exports in volume terms were not heavily concentrated. South Korea accounted for 16.6% of exports, the United States for 11.7%, and Vietnam for 10.4%, with these three countries together capturing only 38.7% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Potato starch exports from Poland declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were recorded at 66 080 thousand US dollars, marking a contraction of 22.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 21.4%, equating to an annualized decline of 7.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 96 434 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 14.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland's potato starch exports in value terms were characterized by a broad spread across markets. South Korea accounted for 16.3% of exports, the United States for 12.1%, and Vietnam for 9.2%, with these three countries together representing only 37.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports potato starch to Poland

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year increase, Poland's potato starch import volume declined. In 2020, imports totalled 12.8 thousand tonnes, showing a reduction of 26.1% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 10.8%, equating to an annualized decline of 3.7%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 17.4 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 12.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Denmark, and Belgium remained the leading sources in Poland's potato starch import structure by volume. Germany accounted for 26.0% of imports, Denmark for 22.7%, and Belgium for 21.9%, with these three countries together representing 70.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year increase, Poland's potato starch imports declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 10 645 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep decline of 25.3% compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 14 246 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 20.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Denmark, and Belgium led Poland's potato starch import structure by value. Germany accounted for 31.7% of imports, Denmark for 20.8%, and Belgium for 15.4%, with these three countries together representing 67.8% of total flows.

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

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