Starches market in Malawi

Earlier Report Observations

Malawi's starch market volume experienced a slight dip to 49 223 t in 2019 before jumping notably to 57 978 t in 2020. This initial surge coincided with the mid-2020 introduction of Control of Goods Regulations, which established protective thresholds for domestic industries, likely encouraging local starch production and contributing to the market's expansion.

Growth continued steadily, with market volume reaching 66 675 t by 2023. The implementation of a new structured customs classification system and bilateral trade agreements in 2022 facilitated smoother trade operations, supporting the market's upward trajectory. Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture's Market and Food Systems Resilience Policy and the development of a National Irrigation Policy by 2023 provided direct support to producers and aimed to enhance raw material supply through improved water management, underpinning the consistent rise in output.

Production starches in Malawi

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of starches, 2017-2020

World map of production of starches, 2017-2020

Malawi's starch production rebounded after two consecutive years of decline. In 2020, the country produced 57 749 tonnes of starches, marking a significant 18.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 8.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 48 788 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year decline occurred in 2018 at 7.6%.

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

Exports starches from Malawi

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited considerable volatility throughout the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 54-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, Malawi exported 47.3 tonnes of starches, representing a dramatic 372.5% increase compared to 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 49.0 tonnes. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019 at 79.6%, while the largest increase took place in 2018 at 5 341.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa and Zimbabwe dominated Malawi's starch exports in volume terms, together accounting for 100.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export values varied significantly, with a 99-fold difference between the 2018 peak and the 2017 low. In 2020, Malawi exported starches worth 4.7 thousand US dollars, representing a substantial 448.8% increase compared to 2019. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 17.0 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 94.9%, while the largest increase took place in 2018 at 9 750.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Zimbabwe and South Africa together accounted for 100.0% of Malawi's starch exports in value terms, demonstrating a highly concentrated export market.

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

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

Imports starches to Malawi

Imports in kind, t

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Import volumes fluctuated considerably, with a 2.1-fold difference between the 2019 high and the 2018 low. In 2020, Malawi imported 276.8 tonnes of starches, showing a sharp 37.8% decrease compared to the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 216.4 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 445.2 tonnes. The most substantial increase occurred in 2019 at 105.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa and India consistently represented 89.1% of Malawi's starch imports in volume terms, indicating a highly concentrated import market with numerous smaller suppliers making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Malawi imported starches worth 248.2 thousand US dollars, representing a 30.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import values declined by 38.8%, equivalent to an average annual decrease of 15.1%. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 at 37.7%, while the largest increase took place in 2019 at 40.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa (36.0% of import value), India (35.8% of import value), and China (25.0% of import value) were the largest contributors to Malawi's starch imports in value terms, together accounting for 96.8% of total import flows.

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

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