Starches market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The CIS starch market volume expanded from 1 094 thousand tons in 2018 to 2 089 thousand tons in 2023. This growth was initially propelled by new production investments, such as the 2018 launch of a maltodextrin line at the Rustark plant, which reduced reliance on imports. Simultaneously, high demand from the paper and corrugated cardboard industry provided a steady outlet for increased output.

Market volume continued to rise through 2020, reaching 2 084 thousand tons, as industrial consumption remained robust despite the broader disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. A contraction occurred in 2021, with production declining while the market maintained a significant dependence on imported potato starch, particularly from abroad.

From 2022 onward, geopolitical sanctions that halted starch imports from the EU catalyzed a shift toward import substitution. Domestic producers, including Aston Starch Products and Amilco, significantly increased production of modified starches, and trade flows were reoriented toward Customs Union countries. By 2023, output hit record levels and exports grew, reflecting the market's adaptation to the new trade landscape.

Production starches in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of starches, 2017-2020

World map of production of starches, 2017-2020

Starch production in the CIS has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, production reached 2 037 thousand tonnes, representing a significant increase of 48.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production more than doubled, rising by 105.4% with an average annual growth rate of 27.1%.

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

Exports starches from CIS

Exports in kind, t

Starch exports from the CIS have fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 18 280 tonnes, showing a moderate decline of 3.9% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 4.9%, with an average annual decline of 1.7%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 26 679 tonnes, which marked a substantial increase of 38.7% from the previous year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest drop, with exports falling by 28.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main destinations for starch exports from the CIS were Ukraine, accounting for 15.5% of exports by volume, China with 0.9%, and Georgia with 0.8%. Together, these three countries represented 17.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following two years of growth, starch exports from the CIS declined in value terms. In 2020, exports totaled 21 393 thousand US dollars, a notable decrease of 12.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 25%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.7%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 24 479 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 34.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary buyers of CIS starch in value terms were Ukraine, with 14.8% of exports, China at 1.4%, and Turkmenistan at 0.7%. Collectively, these countries accounted for 16.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports starches to CIS

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, starch imports into the CIS reached 64 952 tonnes, a slight decrease of 2.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 4.9%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 1.6%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 60 413 tonnes, which represented a significant drop of 11.5% from 2017. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with imports rising by 10.2%.

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

During 2017-2020, starch imports into the CIS were relatively evenly distributed among suppliers. Poland led with 12.6% of imports by volume, followed by Germany at 8.1% and Ukraine at 6.2%. Together, these three countries accounted for 26.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, starch imports into the CIS declined in value terms. In 2020, imports amounted to approximately 47 439 thousand US dollars, a moderate decrease of 6.1% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 9.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 50 520 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 11.1%.

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

The partner structure for starch imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented, with Germany accounting for 14.8% of imports, Poland at 14.6%, and France at 6.3%. Together, these three countries represented 35.7% of total import flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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