Starches market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The South African starch market volume expanded to 66,445 t in 2019 after starting at 52,950 t in 2018, but then fell sharply to 35,879 t in 2020. During these years, the industry structure was highly concentrated, with a single processor commanding nearly 90% of the market.

A recovery to 42,425 t occurred in 2021, driven by increasing demand for starches from industrial and food manufacturing sectors. The following year, market volume declined to 37,800 t as a local economic downturn dampened consumer spending and operational costs rose due to more expensive inputs and unreliable electricity supply.

The market stabilized at 38,715 t in 2023. Within the sector, efforts to diversify raw material sources progressed, including the development of cassava-based starch production as an alternative to traditional maize starch.

Production starches in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of starches, 2018-2021

World map of production of starches, 2018-2021

South Africa's starch production volume has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 33,491 tons of starches, marking a modest decrease of 5.7% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production fell by 39.6%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 15.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, South Africa's starch output was valued at 17,521 thousand US dollars, showing a modest year-over-year increase of 7.1%. However, over the period from 2018 to 2021, production value decreased by 32.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -12.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 16,352 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 26,123 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, dropping by 37.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports starches from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, South Africa exported 27,068 tons of starches, representing a modest decrease of 5.3% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 4.2%, with a CAGR of -1.4%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 26,528 tons, and the highest was in 2020 at 28,579 tons. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 6.1%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 7.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, South Africa's starch exports in kind were widely dispersed across destinations. Asia (not elsewhere specified) accounted for 21.1% of exports, Australia for 18.3%, and Zimbabwe for 9.3%, together forming just 48.8% of total flows. The remaining 51.2% was distributed among a broad range of other countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

South Africa's starch exports in value terms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 14,160 thousand US dollars, indicating a gain of 7.6% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 7.4%, with a CAGR of 2.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 12,627 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred that same year at 4.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa's starch exports in value terms were spread across many countries. Asia (not elsewhere specified) represented 17.5% of exports, Australia 17.4%, and Zimbabwe 11.9%, jointly accounting for only 46.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports starches to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, South Africa imported approximately 36,001 tons of starches, which is 24.4% higher than in 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 39.7%, with a CAGR of 11.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 38,093 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 24.0%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 47.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, the leading sources for South Africa's starch imports in kind were Thailand (30.4% of imports), India (13.5%), and Turkey (10.5%), which together accounted for 54.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

South Africa's starch import volume has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports were recorded at 19,232 thousand US dollars, indicating a year-over-year rise of 26.4%. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 37.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018–2021, South Africa's starch imports in value terms were relatively evenly spread. Thailand accounted for 31.5% of imports, Turkey for 8.0%, and Poland for 7.3%, jointly representing only 46.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021