Starches market in Senegal

Earlier Report Observations

The Senegalese starches market volume declined from 267.5 thousand metric tons in 2018 to 234.6 thousand metric tons in 2020. This contraction was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted supply chains and dampened demand across the agro-food sector in 2020. A decree amending public procurement rules for pandemic-related spending also affected market conditions during this period.

Market volume recovered to 261.8 thousand metric tons in 2021, driven by the government's poultry sector revival plan that strengthened local production and increased demand for starches as feed ingredients. Protection against international competition in poultry farming further supported domestic consumption. In 2022, the market stabilized at 261.7 thousand metric tons, supported by improved availability of local dry cereals like millet, sorghum, and maize, which enhanced raw material supply for starch production.

By 2023, market volume grew to 278.1 thousand metric tons. Throughout the period, the concentration of millet processing companies in the Dakar region and a gradual improvement in the business environment, including reduced notary fees, provided a foundation for sector development. New public procurement regulations introduced in late 2022 also modified market access conditions for starch suppliers.

Production starches in Senegal

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of starches, 2017-2020

World map of production of starches, 2017-2020

Senegal's starch production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 219.9 thousand tonnes of starches, which represents a 6.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 39.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 252.0 thousand tonnes, which marked a significant 60.0% increase that year.

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

Exports starches from Senegal

Exports in kind, t

Starch exports from Senegal increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 146 tonnes, showing a substantial 58.4% growth compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 68.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 19.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Senegal's starch exports were geographically diverse. The top three destinations—Gambia (17.3% of exports), Mali (11.8%), and Mauritania (10.5%)—together accounted for 39.6% of total export volumes. The remaining 60.4% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. In 2020, Senegal exported starches worth 106 thousand US dollars, marking a dramatic 34.5% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 10.5% drop, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 70.0%. The overall period from 2017 to 2020 saw a peak-to-trough amplitude of two times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mauritania (20.3% of export value), Gambia (13.4%), and Morocco (12.8%) were important buyers of Senegalese starches in value terms. However, their combined share reached only 46.5% of total export value, with the remaining 53.5% distributed among many other trading partners.

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

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

Imports starches to Senegal

Imports in kind, t

Starch imports into Senegal declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 14 866 tonnes, showing a slight 2.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 10.4%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 3.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 15 671 tonnes, which represented a 16.4% increase that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey (52.3% of import volumes), Spain (9.9%), and Thailand (8.6%) remained the principal suppliers of starches to Senegal. Together, these three countries accounted for 70.7% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Senegal's starch imports amounted to 6 931 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a limited 4.6% gain relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 16%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 5.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 7 451 thousand US dollars, which marked a 24.7% increase that year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 11.1% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey (53.7% of import value), Spain (10.4%), and Thailand (7.3%) were the main sources of starch imports in value terms. Together, these three countries accounted for 71.4% of total import flows.

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

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