Wheat starch market in Nepal

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, wheat starch production in Nepal remained stable at 55 000 t annually. In 2020, output rose to 58 403 t, coinciding with increased focus on addressing phosphorus deficiency as a limiting factor in wheat cultivation and the adoption of conservation agriculture practices in rice-wheat rotation systems, which likely boosted wheat yields.

Production continued its upward trend in 2021, reaching 59 358 t. This growth was supported by the National Sample Census of Agriculture, which provided updated data for better planning, and the Multi-sectoral Nutrition Plan that influenced demand for wheat-based products. In 2022, output saw a minor adjustment to 58 864 t, with market-oriented production models and public-private partnerships for agricultural commercialization helping to maintain near-peak levels.

By 2023, production recovered to 59 800 t. National policies on climate change adaptation, aimed at enhancing food security through climate-resilient farming, contributed to sustaining output despite reported climatic adversities that affected wheat crops in some regions.

Production wheat starch in Nepal

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Nepal was one of the world's leading producers of wheat starch, ranking 11th globally by production volume.

Top producers of wheat starch, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat starch, 2017-2020

In 2020, Nepal produced 58 403 tonnes of wheat starch, representing a 6.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 29.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 0.0%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, at 22.2%.

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

Exports wheat starch from Nepal

Exports in kind, kg

In 2019, Nepal exported 55 kg of wheat starch, showing virtually no change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2019 period, exports decreased by 98.7%, with an average annual decline of 76.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Nepal in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, China was the dominant buyer of wheat starch from Nepal, accounting for 97.4% of total exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

In 2019, Nepal's wheat starch exports were valued at 185 US dollars, showing minimal change compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2019 period, export value decreased by 88.5%, with an average annual decline of 51.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China and Japan were the main buyers of wheat starch from Nepal, together accounting for 100.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports wheat starch to Nepal

Imports in kind, kg

Wheat starch imports into Nepal showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 516 kg, after peaking in 2017, with a 6.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports rose to 1 410 kg, marking a 155.4% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 84.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Nepal in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Nepal's wheat starch imports by volume came exclusively from India, which accounted for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

Wheat starch import values into Nepal experienced significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 412 US dollars, following a peak in 2017, with a 12.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, import value increased to 1 325 US dollars, up 22.8% year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 92.2%, while the most significant increase was in 2019, at 161.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India was the sole source of wheat starch imports into Nepal, consistently representing 100.0% of total import value.

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

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