Starches market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, ASEAN starch production grew from 6.6 million tonnes to over 7 million tonnes, supported by the entry of new global players like Archer Daniels Midland and expansion of R&D facilities such as Tate & Lyle's Singapore laboratory. However, the domestic market volume halved to 3.5 million tonnes by 2020, largely due to a near-doubling of exports in 2019 and supply chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, which constrained raw material availability and distribution.

The market became increasingly export-focused from 2021 to 2022. Tate & Lyle's acquisition of Chaodee Modified Starch in early 2021 bolstered production capacity, helping output reach 8.3 million tonnes in 2021. Concurrently, ASEAN trade policy changes that favored exports of processed agricultural goods, coupled with growing demand for cassava-based modified starch, propelled overseas shipments above 6 million tonnes in 2022. This sustained export growth reduced the domestic market volume further to 2.9 million tonnes.

In 2023, the market volume contracted sharply to 1.8 million tonnes. This decline coincided with the implementation of stricter food safety and labeling regulations across several ASEAN countries, increasing compliance demands on producers. Meanwhile, major global companies like Cargill and Ingredion continued to expand production capacity and innovation in the region. By 2024, new plant openings in Thailand were countered by El Niño-induced drought and cassava crop diseases, threatening raw material supply, while shifting Chinese import patterns altered regional trade flows.

Production starches in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of starches, 2017-2020

World map of production of starches, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, starch production in ASEAN declined. In 2020, ASEAN produced 7 082 K t of starches, showing minimal change from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 16.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 7 119 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 9.0%.

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

Exports starches from ASEAN

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, ASEAN exported 4 871 K t of starches, marking a slight decrease of 1.5% compared to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 43.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 12.8%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 3 161 K t, while the peak was in 2019 at 4 947 K t. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 at 7.0%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 56.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—China, Asia (not elsewhere specified), and Japan—collectively accounted for 64.6% of ASEAN's total starch exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

ASEAN's starch exports in value terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 140 M $ US, down 2.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 15.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 265 M $ US. The largest decrease occurred in 2019 at 3.4%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 22.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China (60.2% of exports in value), Asia (not elsewhere specified) (4.7%), and Japan (2.3%) emerged as the primary markets for ASEAN's starch exports in monetary terms, together representing 67.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports starches to ASEAN

Imports in kind, K t

ASEAN's starch imports in volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 1 244 K t, a 3.7% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 43%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.7%. The peak import volume was in 2018 at 1 367 K t. The largest decrease occurred in 2019 at 5.5%, while the most substantial increase was in 2018 at 57.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, ASEAN sourced starches from numerous countries, with the top destinations—China, India, and Australia—together making up only 38.8% of total imports in volume, indicating a broad supplier base.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

ASEAN's starch imports in value terms fell for the second year running. In 2020, imports totaled 667 M $ US, a 9.2% decrease compared to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 26.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.2%. The highest value was in 2018 at 836 M $ US. The most significant decline was in 2019 at 12.1%, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 58.9%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, China (23.4% of imports in value), Australia (5.3%), and India (5.1%) were the leading suppliers of starches to ASEAN in monetary terms. However, their combined share was just 33.7% of total imports, reflecting a diversified import structure across multiple countries.

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

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