Starches market in Egypt

Earlier Report Observations

The Egyptian starch market contracted in 2019 to 318 thousand tons, a decline driven primarily by a near-doubling of export volumes that reduced domestic supply. A sustained recovery began in 2020, with market volume expanding by over 30% to reach 417 thousand tons by 2023. This growth was supported by a steady increase in local production, which rose from 361 thousand tons to 465 thousand tons over the same period.

In 2018, U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuations impacted the cost of importing food commodities, a factor influencing the broader sector. By 2024, the industry landscape was marked by new investments, notably the acquisition of Bisco Misr by the HSA group, and government initiatives for sustainable food systems. Simultaneously, the expansion of e-commerce and growing consumer preference for safe, natural products began influencing market channels and demand patterns.

Production starches in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt ranked 26th globally in starch production volume.

Top producers of starches, 2017-2020

World map of production of starches, 2017-2020

Egypt's starch production volume grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 389.2 K t of starches, a 2.6% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 7.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 361.4 K t, with the largest decline that year at 0.5%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a 5.0% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Egypt's starch output was valued at 161.8 M $ US, showing a moderate improvement of 4.6% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.9%. The largest decline was observed in 2019, with a 1.7% drop.

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

Exports starches from Egypt

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2017, while the maximum was in 2019, with a 4.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, starch shipments from Egypt abroad reached 67 571 t, showing a limited decline of 4.8% compared to the previous year. The peak value was in 2019 at 70 977 t, with the largest increase that year at 117.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Syria (24.9% of exports in kind), Saudi Arabia (19.4% of exports in kind), and Kenya (13.7% of exports in kind) led the structure of exports in kind, together accounting for 58.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Export values reached their minimum in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 4-fold shift between these years. In 2020, starch deliveries from Egypt were recorded at 28 095 K $ US, showing a slight decline of 2.9% from the previous year. The maximum value was in 2019 at 28 945 K $ US, with the largest increase that year at 103.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Syria (25.5% of exports in value terms), Saudi Arabia (18.9% of exports in value terms), and Kenya (13.3% of exports in value terms) consistently remained the main destinations for exports in value terms, together accounting for 57.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports starches to Egypt

Imports in kind, t

Egypt's starch import volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 11 741 t, representing a notable gain of 17.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 18.5%, equating to an average annual decline of 6.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 9 765 t, with the largest decline that year at 32.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey (27.6% of imports in kind), the Netherlands (22.1% of imports in kind), and France (15.2% of imports in kind) remained the key partners in imports in kind, together accounting for 64.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Egypt's starch import volumes increased. In 2020, imports reached 7 693 K $ US, marking a rise of 13.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 15.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 781 K $ US, with the largest decline in 2018 at 25.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (24.9% of imports in value terms), Turkey (21.2% of imports in value terms), and France (13.9% of imports in value terms) headed the ranking of starch suppliers to Egypt, with their combined share reaching 59.9% of total imports in value terms.

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

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