Starch-manufacture residues market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for starch-manufacture residues in Eastern Asia declined from 1 133 thousand tons to 716 thousand tons. The initial high volume in 2018 was supported by rising corn starch production and expanding demand for modified starches across various industries. The subsequent contraction coincided with stricter environmental regulations and the government-led closure of inefficient production facilities, which constrained supply. Although the COVID-19 pandemic boosted demand for starch in food processing and pharmaceuticals in 2020, ongoing environmental compliance measures contributed to a slight further market reduction.

A turning point came in 2022 when the market volume surged by 53% to 927 thousand tons. This rebound was driven by industry efforts to diversify raw material sourcing and mitigate global supply chain instability. Major players accelerated the adoption of digital and smart manufacturing technologies to optimize production processes and enhance efficiency. The focus on functional and specialty starches also aligned with evolving health and wellness trends, supporting market recovery.

Growth continued into 2023, with the market reaching 1 018 thousand tons. This expansion was underpinned by a sustained shift towards sustainable production practices, including the development of biodegradable and bio-based starch products. Stringent environmental and quality regulations further shaped the industry, while leading companies actively pursued global market expansion to strengthen competitiveness. Throughout the period, technological innovation and investments in R&D remained central to the sector's evolution.

Production starch-manufacture residues in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of starch-manufacture residues, 2017-2020

World map of production of starch-manufacture residues, 2017-2020

Starch-manufacture residues production in Eastern Asia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 1 143 K t, representing a modest year-over-year decrease of 8.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 7.7%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 2.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 279 K t, with the largest annual increase of 3.3% occurring that same year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output value of starch-manufacture residues in Eastern Asia was 594.7 M $ US, marking a significant 15.7% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 8.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.7%. The lowest value was observed in 2019 at 514.1 M $ US, which also saw the largest annual decline of 9.5%.

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

Exports starch-manufacture residues from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, cross-border shipments of starch-manufacture residues from Eastern Asia declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 641 K t, reflecting a year-over-year reduction of 3.4%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 35%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.5%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 664 K t, while the largest annual increase of 22.6% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia were the core contributors to exports in kind, accounting for 13.9%, 2.2%, and 1.8% of total exports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 17.9% of the total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Starch-manufacture residues shipments from Eastern Asia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 333.4 M $ US, showing a substantial year-over-year uptick of 22.1%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 58.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports in value terms from Eastern Asia were not heavily concentrated. Vietnam accounted for 13.4% of exports, Malaysia for 6.1%, and Indonesia for 4.2%. Collectively, these three countries captured only 23.8% of the total export flows.

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

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

Imports starch-manufacture residues to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, starch-manufacture residues shipments into Eastern Asia increased. In 2020, imports reached 214 K t, representing a 12.9% advance compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 51.2%, which corresponds to an annualized decline rate of 21.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 189 K t, with the largest annual decline of 56.5% occurring that year.

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

During 2017–2020, Thailand, the United States, and Cambodia remained the main suppliers of starch-manufacture residues to Eastern Asia. Thailand contributed 5.6% of imports in kind, the United States 1.8%, and Cambodia 1.3%. Together, these three countries formed 8.8% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of starch-manufacture residues into Eastern Asia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 299.9 M $ US, up by 19.0% from a year earlier. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 56.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 16.1%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States, Thailand, and Cambodia were the key partners in imports by value. The United States accounted for 4.0% of imports, Thailand for 3.9%, and Cambodia for 1.2%. Together, these three countries accounted for 9.0% of total import flows.

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

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