Wheat starch market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the wheat starch market volume in Germany showed fluctuations, declining to 630 thousand tons in 2019 influenced by a tight global wheat balance and rising prices on the European exchange. In 2020, the market grew to 685 thousand tons, driven by increasing demand for organic wheat derivatives in the food industry and technological innovations that enhanced starch's application as a gelling and thickening agent.

In 2021, market volume contracted to 657 thousand tons as production and logistics disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic limited availability. The following year, Russia's invasion of Ukraine triggered a sharp rise in wheat prices, exacerbated by high energy costs and supply chain bottlenecks, which led to a further drop in volume to 615 thousand tons.

By 2023, the market began to recover, reaching 631 thousand tons, supported by technological advancements and active domestic producers adapting to shifting consumer preferences. In 2024, volume continued to grow, rising to 670 thousand tons.

Production wheat starch in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's wheat starch production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 207.3 million US dollars, marking an 8.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 11.9%, with an average annual decline of 4.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 257.1 million US dollars. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with an 11.6% decrease, while the biggest increase was seen in 2018, with a 9.3% rise.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany ranked fifth globally in wheat starch production.

Top producers of wheat starch, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat starch, 2017-2020

Following a two-year decline, wheat starch production in Germany rebounded. In 2020, output reached 582.2 thousand tonnes, showing a 6.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 2.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 545.3 thousand tonnes, with the largest drop that year at 6.4%.

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

Exports wheat starch from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, wheat starch exports from Germany saw an upturn. In 2020, exports amounted to 115.7 thousand tonnes, reflecting a strong 24.6% increase year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 4.6%, with an average annual decline of 1.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 92.9 thousand tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 12.9% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Poland, and France were the primary destinations for Germany's wheat starch exports by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 34.9% of exports, Poland for 20.7%, and France for 13.6%, together making up 69.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of wheat starch exports from Germany totaled 46 874 thousand US dollars, up 5.4% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 7.3%, with an average annual decline of 2.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 44 456 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 52 446 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 15.2% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Poland, and France consistently remained the top destinations for Germany's wheat starch exports by value. The Netherlands accounted for 33.0% of export value, Poland for 17.3%, and France for 13.5%, together representing 63.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports wheat starch to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's wheat starch imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 218.8 thousand tonnes, showing a significant 22.9% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 48.5%, with an average annual increase of 14.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Austria, France, and the Netherlands were the main sources for Germany's wheat starch imports by volume. Austria accounted for 20.4% of imports, France for 19.7%, and the Netherlands for 19.6%, together making up 59.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, the value of wheat starch imports into Germany declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 77 345 thousand US dollars, remaining nearly unchanged from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 37.6%, with an average annual rise of 11.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 77 689 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 31.1% jump.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Poland stood out as the primary markets for Germany's wheat starch imports by value. France accounted for 20.0% of import value, the Netherlands for 19.6%, and Poland for 17.8%, together representing 57.5% of total flows.

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

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