Starches and inulin market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

The market value for starches and inulin in Finland fluctuated between 2018 and 2024, rising from 77.3 million dollars to a peak of 100.2 million dollars in 2022 before declining to 74.8 million dollars by 2024. The most significant expansion occurred in 2021, with a 21% increase following a dip in 2020, while the subsequent downturn saw value fall by 17% in 2023 and a further 10% in 2024.

Measured in volume, the market contracted from 164 thousand tons in 2021 to 116 thousand tons in 2023, but recovered to 128 thousand tons in 2024. The rebound in physical volume in 2024 coincided with broader European trends, including rising consumer demand for natural and healthy food products like inulin, supported by regulatory frameworks that encourage food fortification with prebiotic ingredients. The chicory inulin segment, which dominates the European market due to established production infrastructure, contributed to this dynamic.

Production starches and inulin in Finland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Finland's production of starches and inulin has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 55 759 thousand US dollars, marking a modest 3.8% drop compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 58 551 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 10.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Finland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports starches and inulin from Finland

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 260 tonnes, then peaked in 2018 at 1 549 tonnes, representing a sixfold difference between these years. In 2020, Finland's starches and inulin exports totaled 392 tonnes, which is 51.1% higher than in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 83.2% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 490.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway and the United Kingdom accounted for 93.2% of Finland's total starches and inulin exports by volume. The remaining share was distributed among other destinations, each contributing smaller individual amounts.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited notable fluctuations during this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017, then reached their highest in 2018 at 1 040 thousand US dollars, showing a fourfold difference between these years. In 2020, Finland exported 418 thousand US dollars worth of starches and inulin, representing a 56.4% increase year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 74.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 303.0% rise.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United Kingdom and Norway were the primary destinations for Finland's starches and inulin exports in value terms, together accounting for most of the total. Other markets played less significant roles individually.

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

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

Imports starches and inulin to Finland

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Finland's imports of starches and inulin from abroad declined. In 2020, imports totaled 36 172 tonnes, reflecting a slight decrease of 2.8% compared to 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 37 212 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 0.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Lithuania, Sweden, and the Netherlands were the main sources of starches and inulin imports to Finland by volume. Lithuania accounted for 60.7% of imports, Sweden for 14.5%, and the Netherlands for 9.7%, together making up 85.0% of the total.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year uptick, Finland's imports of starches and inulin declined. In 2020, imports reached 17 935 thousand US dollars, showing a notable reduction of 10.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 2.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 19 979 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 12.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Lithuania, Sweden, and the Netherlands were the key suppliers of starches and inulin to Finland in value terms. Lithuania contributed 52.6% of imports, Sweden 13.0%, and the Netherlands 10.1%, together comprising 75.7% of the total import value.

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

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