Wheat starch market in India, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The wheat starch market in India expanded from 32 356 t in 2018 to 34 832 t in 2020. This growth was supported by the Government of India's role in the wheat value chain, including the annual Minimum Support Price and procurement that stabilized raw material supply and pricing. Concurrently, rising consumer preference for clean label and gluten-free ingredients boosted demand for wheat starch in food applications, while the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 underscored the need for resilient supply chains without halting market expansion.

Market volume continued to rise, reaching 39 215 t in 2022. Stable procurement by the Food Corporation of India ensured consistent raw material availability, while the emergence of new product segments such as resistant starch with prebiotic benefits catered to health-conscious consumers. The presence of domestic manufacturers like Nilkanth Exports, which sources wheat locally and meets international standards, strengthened the market's foundation and supported export activities.

In 2023, the market stabilized at 39 075 t. Government schemes like the Open Market Sale Scheme continued to influence wheat prices and availability, while global supply chain factors and a focus on sustainability began shaping procurement strategies and production costs for starch manufacturers.

Production wheat starch in India

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, India ranked as the 18th largest producer of wheat starch globally.

Top producers of wheat starch, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat starch, 2017-2020

In 2020, India produced 34 071 tonnes of wheat starch, showing little change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 3.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 31 917 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 34 197 tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 3.4%, whereas the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 7.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports wheat starch from India

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, India's wheat starch exports declined in 2020. The export volume reached 470 tonnes, down 54.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 52.2%, with an average annual decline of 21.8%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 036 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 5.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Indonesia was the dominant export partner for India's wheat starch in volume terms, accounting for 85.0% of total exports, while other markets held relatively smaller shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, India's wheat starch exports in value terms declined in 2020. Exports amounted to 217.3 thousand US dollars, a sharp decrease of 37.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value dropped by 33.3%, with an average annual decline of 12.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 348.9 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2018, up by 4.8%.

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

During 2017-2020, Indonesia dominated India's wheat starch exports in value terms, absorbing 73.3% of total flows, with numerous other partners contributing smaller shares.

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

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

Imports wheat starch to India

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, India imported 1 231 tonnes of wheat starch, a decrease of 4.5% from the previous year. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 472 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 12.5%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, surging by 98.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Belgium, and Lithuania were the top sources for India's wheat starch imports in volume terms. France accounted for 54.3% of imports, Belgium for 16.5%, and Lithuania for 8.0%, together making up 78.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Market behavior during these years was marked by volatility. Import value was lowest in 2017 and highest in 2018, with a two-fold gap between these years. In 2020, India's wheat starch imports amounted to 725.8 thousand US dollars, up 2.0% from 2019. The peak import value was recorded in 2018 at 859.7 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 17.2%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, rising by 103.4%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, France, Belgium, and Lithuania led India's wheat starch imports in value terms. France contributed 55.9% of import value, Belgium 15.0%, and Lithuania 8.1%, collectively accounting for 79.1% of total flows.

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

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