Starches market in Kazakhstan

Earlier Report Observations

The starch market in Kazakhstan was characterized by the dominance of large state-owned and private producers, such as AsiaAgroFood JSC and Zharkent Starch Plant LLP, which relied on a stable supply of corn as the primary raw material. Between 2018 and 2023, market volume fluctuated significantly, starting at 67.7 thousand tons in 2018, falling to 60.8 thousand tons in 2019, then recovering to 67.1 thousand tons in 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected logistics and supply chains from 2020 onward, contributing to market volatility. In 2021, market volume rose to 77.1 thousand tons, but in 2022 it dropped sharply to 59.4 thousand tons as global logistical challenges persisted. The market partially recovered to 66.7 thousand tons in 2023.

During this period, the market saw the development of niche segments like potato starch and a growth in the production of modified starches and maltodextrin, driven by import substitution policies that encouraged a shift toward domestic products. Additionally, sustained investments in agriculture and corn production provided indirect support to the starch industry.

Production starches in Kazakhstan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of starches, 2017-2020

World map of production of starches, 2017-2020

In 2019, Kazakhstan's starch production hit its lowest point at 58 275 tonnes, declining by 10.1% that year. However, production rebounded in 2020, reaching 67 901 tonnes—a 16.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production grew by 9.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Kazakhstan in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, Kazakhstan's starch production value saw a recovery. In 2019, it reached its minimum at 19 646 thousand US dollars, falling by 14.3%. The following year, in 2020, production value rose to 23 959 thousand US dollars, marking a 22.0% increase compared to 2019.

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

Exports starches from Kazakhstan

Exports in kind, t

Kazakhstan's starch exports have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 8 978 tonnes, showing a sharp 32.3% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 130.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 32.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Uzbekistan was the primary buyer of starches from Kazakhstan, accounting for 73.8% of total exports in volume. The remaining exports were distributed among a diverse group of other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Kazakhstan's starch export value has increased for three consecutive years. In 2020, it reached 3 168 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial 38.5% jump from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 112.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 28.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, Uzbekistan remained the leading buyer of starches from Kazakhstan in value terms, with a 72.8% share of total exports. The rest was spread across numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports starches to Kazakhstan

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Kazakhstan's starch imports declined. In 2019, imports peaked at 9 332 tonnes, after a 27.8% increase in 2018. By 2020, imports fell to 8 220 tonnes, down 11.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports overall increased by 30%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Poland, and Belarus were the main sources of starch imports to Kazakhstan in volume terms. Russia accounted for 53.5%, Poland for 26.2%, and Belarus for 14.9%, together making up 94.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of growth, Kazakhstan's starch import value decreased. In 2019, it reached its highest point at 5 041 thousand US dollars, rising by 23.7% that year. In 2020, import value dropped to 4 446 thousand US dollars, a significant 11.8% decline from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 13.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.4%.

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

In 2017-2020, Russia, Poland, and Belarus formed the core group of markets for Kazakhstan's starch imports in value terms. Russia held a 43.7% share, Poland 30.1%, and Belarus 20.8%, collectively representing 94.6% of total import flows.

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

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