Wheat starch market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The wheat starch market in South America expanded from 67 244 t in 2018 to 83 594 t in 2020. This growth was driven by rising demand from the region's food processing industry, fueled by population growth, urbanization, and an increased consumption of precooked and processed foods. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further accelerated this trend as consumers turned more to packaged and functional food products.

Market volume stabilized near 84 000 t in 2021, supported by ongoing industrial investments and the development of new production facilities in the region. Growth resumed in 2022, with the market reaching 89 679 t. This was propelled by the entry of new players, the expansion of production capacities, and growing demand for modified wheat starch due to its enhanced functional properties and sustainability profile.

In 2023, the market contracted to 80 610 t. This decline was primarily influenced by global climatic and geopolitical factors, which introduced volatility and increased costs for raw materials, directly affecting production expenses and market stability.

Production wheat starch in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of wheat starch, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat starch, 2017-2020

Wheat starch production in South America increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, South America produced 76 874 tonnes of wheat starch, marking a significant 15.8% increase from the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 60 037 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 23.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports wheat starch from South America

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited considerable volatility during this period. Exports reached their peak in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2019, with a dramatic 204 778-fold difference between these years. In 2020, South America's wheat starch export volume stood at 0.5 tonnes, representing a sharp 446.5% increase compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.1 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 99.8% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Turkey remained the primary markets for South America's wheat starch exports in kind. Saudi Arabia accounted for 36.4% of exports, Malaysia for 9.9%, and Turkey for 5.7%. Together, these three countries represented 52.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export values peaked in 2017 and bottomed out in 2019, with a staggering 45 843-fold difference between these years. In 2020, wheat starch deliveries from South America were valued at 1 thousand US dollars, reflecting a dramatic 472.8% year-on-year increase. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.1 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 99.7% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Turkey were among the largest buyers of wheat starch from South America in value terms. Saudi Arabia accounted for 29.7% of exports, Malaysia for 11.0%, and Turkey for 6.3%. However, even combined, these three countries represented just 47.0% of total export value, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Imports wheat starch to South America

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, foreign wheat starch supplies to South America amounted to 6 720 tonnes, showing a 34.7% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 10.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 10 290 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 42.1%.

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

The import market for wheat starch in kind was quite diverse from 2017 to 2020. The Netherlands accounted for 8.5% of imports, Italy for 2.1%, and the United States for 1.9%. Together, these three countries represented only 12.5% of total import flows, with the remaining 87.5% shared among numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. The period from 2019 to 2020 showed a peak-to-trough amplitude of two times. In 2020, wheat starch import volumes to South America reached 4 374 thousand US dollars, representing a 50.8% decrease from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 8 887 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 100.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner portfolio for wheat starch imports to South America in value terms was quite broad. The Netherlands accounted for 8.6% of imports, the United States for 6.8%, and Italy for 3.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 18.9% of total import flows.

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

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