Starches market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The starch market in Northern Africa began the period at 388 thousand tons in 2018, then experienced a slight contraction to 379 thousand tons in 2019.

A sharp rebound followed in 2020, with market volume jumping to 422 thousand tons. This recovery was primarily fueled by increased demand for industrial starch in corrugated cardboard production, as the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated e-commerce growth and the need for packaging. The momentum continued into 2021, reaching 445 thousand tons, supported by the introduction of advanced corn processing technologies and the expanding use of cationic starch in textiles, paper, and construction.

Growth persisted through 2022 and 2023, with the market expanding to 473 thousand tons and then 509 thousand tons. This phase was characterized by the broader global trend for modified and hydrolyzed starches in food and industrial applications, alongside a growing industry focus on sustainable and biodegradable materials. Innovations in starch for confectionery, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable plastics provided further market impetus, even amid broader economic concerns about inflation and crop yields in certain supplying regions.

Production starches in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of starches, 2017-2020

World map of production of starches, 2017-2020

Northern Africa's starch production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 408.6 K t of starches, which represents a 2.7% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 7.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 376.4 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 0.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the highest growth with a 5.7% increase.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of decline, starch production in Northern Africa has rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 181.0 M $ US, showing a moderate increase of 8.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 5.5%, translating to an annualized rate of 1.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 167.0 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 1.8%.

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

Exports starches from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 4.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Northern Africa exported 64 972 t of starches, marking a 7.0% decrease from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 69 892 t, which also saw the largest increase of 114.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Kenya—collectively accounted for 56.7% of Northern Africa's total starch exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and reached a high in 2019, varying by a factor of 3.8. In 2020, Northern Africa exported starches worth 28 774 K $ US, reflecting a slight decrease of 1.9% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 29 344 K $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 99.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Syria (24.9% of exports in value), Saudi Arabia (18.5%), and Kenya (13.0%) were the main destinations for Northern Africa's starch exports, together making up 56.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports starches to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

Northern Africa's starch imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 78 036 t, representing a significant rise of 53.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 30.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.2%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 44 286 t, which also saw the largest decline of 26.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey (37.9% of imports in volume), India (8.3%), and the Netherlands (7.2%) were the primary sources for Northern Africa's starch imports, collectively accounting for 53.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Northern Africa's starch imports have grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 38 163 K $ US, showing a substantial increase of 38.1% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 23.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 25 189 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 18.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the import landscape in value terms was diverse. Turkey (30.0% of imports in value), the Netherlands (10.7%), and India (7.9%) together accounted for 48.6% of total flows, while a significant 51.4% came from numerous other countries.

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

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