Wheat starch market in Malaysia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Malaysian wheat starch market displayed considerable volatility. After growing to 96 783 t in 2019, volume fell over the next two years, reaching 74 617 t in 2021. During this period, the market's structural dependence on wheat imports from major producers like Australia, the United States, and Canada was evident.

The market rebounded strongly in 2022, with volume surging to 94 088 t. This growth was fueled by exceptionally high consumer demand, which caused temporary supply shortages and prompted closer government supervision of wheat flour supplies to prevent price gouging and ensure availability. By 2023, the market volume had eased to 88 034 t.

Production wheat starch in Malaysia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Malaysia ranked 9th globally in wheat starch production.

Top producers of wheat starch, 2018-2021

World map of production of wheat starch, 2018-2021

Malaysia's wheat starch production declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 63 840 tonnes, which represents a significant 13.3% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 8.8%, averaging an annual decrease of 3.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 85 574 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 22.2% that same year. In contrast, the sharpest decline occurred in 2020, when production dropped by 14.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports wheat starch from Malaysia

Exports in kind, t

The export market for wheat starch from Malaysia showed considerable volatility during the observed period. Exports peaked in 2019 at 42 tonnes and hit their lowest point in 2020 at 13 tonnes, resulting in a 3.1-fold fluctuation between these years. In 2021, exports rebounded to 27 tonnes, marking a substantial increase of 101.4% compared to 2020. The most significant decline was recorded in 2020, with a drop of 67.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Malaysia's wheat starch exports were heavily concentrated, with Singapore dominating the market at 70.7% of total export volumes. Other trading partners accounted for relatively minor shares during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Malaysia's wheat starch exports displayed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports reached their peak in 2021 at 26 thousand US dollars and their trough in 2020 at 8 thousand US dollars, showing a 3.3-fold amplitude between these years. The 2021 figure represents a dramatic increase of 227.0% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 63.8%.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, Singapore, Seychelles, and Brunei Darussalam were the key partners for Malaysia's wheat starch exports in value terms. Singapore accounted for 61.3% of export value, Seychelles for 16.6%, and Brunei Darussalam for 13.6%. Together, these three countries represented 91.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports wheat starch to Malaysia

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Malaysia imported 10 804 tonnes of wheat starch, a decrease of 5.8% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports declined by 31.5%, with an average annual reduction rate of 11.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 28.7%, while the only increase occurred in 2020, with a modest rise of 1.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Australia, Argentina, and the United States were the main sources of wheat starch imports to Malaysia in volume terms. Australia supplied 40.5% of imports, Argentina 17.8%, and the United States 14.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 72.8% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Malaysia's wheat starch imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 5 106 thousand US dollars, reflecting a moderate decrease of 7.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 32%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 12.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Australia, Argentina, and the United States were the primary suppliers of wheat starch to Malaysia in value terms. Australia accounted for 39.2% of import value, Argentina for 16.7%, and the United States for 14.7%. Together, these three countries made up 70.5% of total import value.

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

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