Starches market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The starches market in the MENA region expanded from 602 thousand tons in 2018 to 777 thousand tons in 2023. This growth was underpinned by a rise in domestic production, which increased from 450 thousand tons to 593 thousand tons over the period. In 2021, higher output of fruits and vegetables in North Africa provided more agricultural raw material for starch processing. The following year, Egypt's government invested approximately USD 2.7 billion in agricultural development projects, such as the South Valley (Toshka) initiative, which further strengthened the feedstock base and supported production capacity.

From 2023, the market's distribution channels began to transform with the accelerated growth of e-commerce in the region, affecting how starches are sold and reaching consumers. This shift coincided with increased online consumer spending, where the average order value rose from USD 30 in 2023 to USD 35.6 in 2024. At the same time, notable startup activity and significant early-stage funding pointed to potential new entrants in food-related segments. These developments in consumer behavior and market structure occurred alongside regulatory updates in several countries aimed at supporting digital technologies and supply chains.

Production starches in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of starches, 2017-2020

World map of production of starches, 2017-2020

MENA's starch production has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 495.4 K t of starches, which is 4.1% higher than in 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.2%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 450.4 K t. That year also saw the largest decline of 0.7%. In contrast, the biggest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 5.6%.

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

Exports starches from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. From the low in 2017 to the high in 2020, export volumes varied by a factor of 2.8. In 2020, cross-border shipments of starches from MENA totaled 52.8 K t, up by 10.8% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 8.4%, while the biggest increase happened in 2018 with a jump of 173.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Kenya (8.4% of exports in kind), Turkey (3.9% of exports in kind), and Afghanistan (2.8% of exports in kind) were the largest buyers of starches from MENA. However, their combined share was only 15.2% of total exports in kind, indicating a diversified country structure.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. A 2.7-fold variation was recorded between the minimum in 2017 and the maximum in 2019. In 2020, starch exports from MENA amounted to 48.1 M $ US, showing a decrease of 5.1% from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 50.7 M $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 73.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for exports in value terms was broad. Kenya (7.3% of exports in value terms), Turkey (3.7% of exports in value terms), and Nigeria (2.5% of exports in value terms) together accounted for only 13.5% of total flows. This means a substantial 86.5% was supplied to many other countries.

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

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

Imports starches to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

The volume of starch imports into MENA has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 267.9 K t, marking a gain of 24.3% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest import level was recorded in 2018 at 203.5 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 19.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, imports in kind of starches to MENA were spread across many countries. Turkey (24.0% of imports in kind), India (11.3% of imports in kind), and Ukraine (5.8% of imports in kind) jointly accounted for only 41.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of starches into MENA have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 140.2 M $ US, representing a substantial rise of 12.6% from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 17.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 112.6 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 5.3%.

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

During 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms of starches to MENA were allocated across a large number of markets. Turkey (18.4% of imports in value terms), India (8.7% of imports in value terms), and Denmark (6.3% of imports in value terms) jointly accounted for only 33.4% of total flows.

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

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