Wheat starch market in Pakistan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, Pakistan's wheat starch market volume expanded steadily from 8 581 tons to 9 730 tons. This growth was supported by factors in the broader wheat sector, which supplies the raw material. In 2018, the country's export of approximately 500 000 metric tons of wheat indicated a solid production base. The following year, the government's introduction of a minimum support price (MSP) for wheat farmers aimed to encourage cultivation. This policy was reinforced in March 2020 when the MSP was raised to PKR 1,400 per 40 kg, helping to secure wheat availability for industrial users like starch manufacturers.

Market growth continued from 2021 to 2023, with volume reaching 10 098 tons. Government actions in the wheat market remained a key influence. In 2021, substantial wheat imports by the authorities increased domestic supply, which kept input costs in check for processors. However, market conditions tightened in 2022 as wheat prices rose due to reported hoarding and policy shortcomings, putting pressure on production costs. The following year, while international wheat prices fell, local prices were driven up by supply chain disruptions and smuggling. Additionally, an IMF agreement allowed wheat purchases but required alignment with international prices, adding another layer to the market's pricing dynamics during this period of gradual expansion.

Production wheat starch in Pakistan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan maintained the 27th position globally in terms of wheat starch production volume.

Top producers of wheat starch, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat starch, 2017-2020

Wheat starch production in Pakistan grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 9 730 tonnes, marking a moderate increase of 6.3% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 17.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.4%.

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

Exports wheat starch from Pakistan

Sector analysis reveals that Pakistan did not export any wheat starch between 2017 and 2020.

Imports wheat starch to Pakistan

Imports in kind, kg

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 22 kilograms and peaked in 2019 at 15 000 kilograms, representing a dramatic 682-fold increase. This surge in 2019 corresponded to a growth rate of 68,081.8% compared to 2018. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 97.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China accounted for 99.9% of Pakistan's total wheat starch imports by volume, making it the overwhelmingly dominant supplier.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

The market displayed significant volatility throughout the timeframe. Imports hit their lowest value in 2018 at 19 US dollars and reached a peak in 2019 at 6 269 US dollars, a 327-fold increase. This sharp rise in 2019 represented a growth of 32,602.0% from the previous year. The most substantial decline was recorded in 2018, with a decrease of 96.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, nearly all of Pakistan's wheat starch imports by value were sourced from China, which held a 99.7% share of the market.

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

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