Corn Starch Price Trend and Forecast

Regional Price Overview

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Corn Starch in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

Corn Starch Price Trend for the Q1 of 2024

Asia

Corn starch prices are directly impacted by the position of corn in the international market. Since corn starch is directly sourced from corn, their price trends usually align very closely with each other. The first quarter of the year 2024 saw little depreciation in the corn starch prices as corn, too, saw a sliding curve in the Asian markets.

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In the Chinese market, the monthly average prices for corn starch stood at around 448 USD/MT in January’24 after falling down significantly from the average prices of the previous quarter as well. However, as the market situation didn’t improve, the corn starch prices fell to about 441 USD/MT in March of 2024. The Indian starch sector found comfort in these low prices as the country was able to import at cheaper rates amidst a surge in domestic rates. Overall, mixed market sentiments were witnessed.

Europe

Contrary to the Asian corn starch prices, the European market saw a swift incline in prices during the first quarter of the year 2024. Ukraine remains the top exporter of corn in the region. However, as the war with Russia kept stretching the plantation area saw a notable decline this plantation season, which meant a reduction in supply volumes.

This caused the corn starch prices to incline in the regional market. The European agriculture market already ended the previous year on a high note, which also meant that it got a head start in terms of prices this quarter. Overall, an inclined price trajectory was witnessed during the said period.

North America

The North American corn starch market aligned more with its Asian counterpart, while the South American market was more inclined towards the European. Increased acreage in the USA prompted up the supplies amidst feeble demands from the downstream food and beverage industries.

Global corn supplies are expected to reach a five-year high later in 2024 as the largest stock expansion has been going on in the last seven years. This was primarily because of the record harvest in the United States last summer. Last year the corn acreage in the USA saw a 10-year high of around 94 million, up 7% from 2022.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, given the current supply and demand dynamics, the corn starch market is likely to continue fluctuating going forward as well. Overflowing supplies in the global market will remain a dominating factor.

Corn Starch Price Trend for the October - December of 2023

Asia

In view of stumbling prices of corn and, in turn, corn starch in the US, Asian countries, particularly China, moved towards Brazil to fulfill their domestic demand. The condition of Brazil’s corn market was also not much different from the US, and thus, the corn starch market in the Asian countries registered a consistent decline. To make the declining trajectory of corn starch prices much broader rather than steep, the demand for the product from China played a significant role.

Europe

The condition of European countries in the fourth quarter of 2023 could be assessed on the basis of the dynamics of a war-torn nation. The persistent conflict between Russia and Ukraine led to the suspension of the Black Sea deal between the nations, and thus, the rates of export declined significantly, exerting a negative impact on the corn starch price trend. Additionally, the inflation in the food industries which was at first viewed to be in favor of the corn starch market, eventually resulted in lower purchasing potential of the consumers. Due to this, the fourth quarter did not quite turn out to be in favor of the corn starch prices.

North America

The North American farmers adopted new and developed methods of corn production in order to sustain their title as the largest exporter of corn and corn-related products such as corn starch. The availability of hybrid seeds and advanced technologies have enabled the farmers to get a good output. However, for the corn starch price trend, this did not seem to work. The excess of inventories amid slow demand from the downstream food sector ultimately led to the southward movement of the corn starch price graph.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Corn Starch are expected to be dependent on the oscillations in the downstream food and beverage industries along with economic challenges being faced by several regions of the world.

Corn Starch Price Trend for the July-September of 2023

Asia

Corn Starch is one of the high consumption products in the Asian region. Because of its traditional existence, it has been a part of regional cuisines, fabrics, papers, textiles, etc. So, the demands have been more or less consistent for the most period. Even during the third quarter of the year 2023, price analysis suggests that the corn starch prices wavered in a limited range.

The corn starch price graph for the said period was mostly plateaued and jumped up marginally, occasionally. The recorded stagnancy at the price index suggested a healthy run for corn starch in the Asian market, particularly the East Asian markets, as corn starch is consumed heavily by the ready-made food and beverage industries as well. The packed sauces and syrup industries remained the big consumers in the corn starch market. Overall, a positive market performance was observed.

Europe

The European corn starch market exhibited falling price trend throughout the said period. The release in inflationary pressure pushed down the upstream cost support by easing the transportation, storage, and processing costs. Importing also became cheaper with improvements in freight mediums. The corn starch inventories were also heavily stacked. So, amidst regular demands and ample supplies, the price graph remained downward facing for the entire time under discussion.

North America

The sliding corn starch price trend in Europe were mirrored in the American markets as well. With unrestricted and cheap supplies in the face of sluggish regional demands, the corn starch price trend remained downward, wavering during the said period.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the Corn Starch price trend are likely to continue wavering downwards in the coming months as well since the supplies are ample and readily available.

Corn Starch Price Trend for the First Half of 2023

Asia

The market activities in the Asia-Pacific region improved their dynamics in the first quarter of 2023 as after a long stretch of Lunar holidays and stagnancy in the region due to COVID restrictions, the production activities kickstarted at a much stronger pace. This was supported by the rise in the number of new orders from both domestic and international customers.

Inclination in the purchasing potential of buyers and several restrictions in the supply chains supported the rise in the prices of corn starch. This rise in prices continued in the second quarter too. To cater to the demand from the downstream industries, the manufacturers had to increase their production rates; however, during the end phase, the trend stumbled due to a decline in demand and a reduction in activities of the downstream industries.

Europe

In Europe, the price trend of corn starch increased due to the support from the increasing cost of feedstock material. However, the challenging economic conditions and weak demand from the end-user industries proved to be a problem for the corn starch market in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the surge in the number of inquiries, high demand, rising cost of energy production, and drastic weather conditions in the majority of corn production regions resulted in a depletion in the level of inventories. Thus, with the enhanced demand and reduced availability of the product in the market, the price trend of corn starch moved positively in European countries.

North America

With the gradual incline in the number of new orders from domestic and international buyers, the price trend of corn starch surged in North America in the first quarter. In addition to this, the rising cost of feedstock materials and drought-like situations in many regions leading to low levels of inventories supported the hike in the price trend of corn starch.

The second quarter moved steadily initially but, in the end, the phase began to move negatively. The rising levels of global inflation, rise in stockpiles, and resistant buying of consumers severely affected the prices, and thus, the trend of corn starch declined ultimately in North America.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Corn Starch is estimated to showcase a declining trajectory due to unfavorable weather conditions and reduced availability of corn starch globally.

Corn Starch Price Trend for the Second Half of 2022

Asia

The price trend for corn starch exhibited a mixed pattern in the Asian market. With sufficient market inventories and dwindling demand, the market price of corn starch crashed. The suppliers were forced to reduce their market quotations to ensure continuous shipments and offtakes. With the new products entering the market in September, manufacturers feared a price crash. Hence, they reduced the quoted prices to make room for fresh supplies. The price of corn starch went from 3380 RMB/MT to 3230 RMB/MT towards the end of Q3.

However, the corn prices rebounded in the second half of quarter four; supported by factors like the continuously high cost of imported corn, the rising domestic transportation cost and the continuous recovery of downstream agriculture demand, the corn market price continued to be high. These high prices impacted the price trend for corn starch. However, the prices again fluctuated towards the end of December averaging 3162 RMB/MT.

North America

The price trend for corn starch exhibited an oscillating pattern in the US domestic market. Initially, the prices declined given the weakened demand despite the drought-like conditions in the corn-producing belts. However, the prices increased during the fourth quarter as the demand rebounded causing the prices to average 796.90 USD/MT (CIF USA) (approx..) in November’22.

Latin America

The Brazilian corn prices crashed, given the lousy harvest due to the adverse weather conditions. The La Nina intensified over the region leading to prolonged rainfall and delaying the sowing and flowering season. The fall in feedstock prices and lowered market sentiment negatively impacted the pricing pattern for corn starch. However, the prices picked pace in the fourth quarter when the weather conditions improved.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend for corn syrup are likely to increase over the next coming months given the robust downstream demand and not sufficient inventories to fulfil the same.

For the Second Quarter of 2022

Asia

In China, the corn starch market recorded a steep decline due to the falling prices of maize and other food grains amid the increasing speculations of a global recession. Also, the bearish demand from the downstream sectors because of uncertainties in the supply further affected the price in the domestic market. The price averaged 3424 RMB/MT towards the end of this quarter.

Europe

The demand for the flour is constantly increasing amongst the EU member nations. Starch extracted from wheat and corn is extensively used to manufacture paper. Hence, due to the intense demands from paper manufacturers, corn starch prices stood firm.

North America

Due to the lowered price of its primary feedstock- corn, the price of its starch is falling in the US domestic market. Per kg price of corn starch was around 0.65-0.59 USD in New York and Washington.

Due to the region's strong consumption of processed, quick, and convenience foods, North America continues to hold the top spot in this industry. The greatest market in the area was in the United States.

The main factors boosting the expansion of this business in the US market and North America are the abundance of maize as a raw material in the nation and the low pricing of corn starch. The demand is developing as a result of the region's growing processed food and convenience food consumption as well as the region's growing population and disposable income among consumers. Major market participants are developing goods specifically for the area.

For the First Quarter of 2022

Asia

In March, domestic corn starch prices changed considerably. On March 1st, the average price of first-class corn starch was 3290 RMB/MT while on March 31st, it was 3406 RMB/MT, a 3.53% rise over the previous month. International grain prices continued to climb in March, domestic trade entities remained positive, hesitant to sell in the future, and deep-processing companies increased prices and replenished stockpiles.

The price of domestic maize as a whole increased, as did the cost of producing corn starch. Domestic corn starch prices increased as a result of cost assistance. In late March, the domestic maize market's high price steadied, the epidemic situation in many parts of China resurfaced, demand for starch continued to decline, and the majority of the starch downstream trade maintained a strong wait-and-see attitude. To secure shipment, producers cut the ex-factory price marginally, resulting in a modest decline in the overall price of domestic corn starch.

For the Fourth Quarter of 2021

Asia

Entering mid-October, under the effect of the dual control strategy, domestic corn starch stockpiles continued to be low and the general drop persisted. At the same time, as the weather became colder and domestic demand for the commodity recovered. The entire market supply was restricted.

Under the backing of demand, domestic market price of the commodity continued to grow. On October 19, the average price rose to 3,400 RMB/MT, an increase of 3.03% from the beginning of the month. Inventory was low, market supply was tight, and downstream demand was unabated.

By year end, farmers in producing regions were increasingly eager to sell the grain, the domestic maize market continued to expand, the total market supply became more plentiful, and prices continued to decline appropriately. The cost of raw materials continued to decline, maize stocks were efficiently refilled, and downstream trade organizations remained circumspect in their purchases.

The domestic market price of the commodity continued to deteriorate as a result of the suppression of several negatives. On December 29, the average price decreased to 3340 RMB/MT, a decrease of 6.70% from December 1.

North America

The cost of raw materials is the primary cost driver in corn starch manufacturing. Corn and enzymes are the primary raw ingredients, accounting for about 70% of the total cost of corn starch manufacture.

Additionally, there are significant cost components associated with the crop’s handling and storage, steeping, germ separation, fiber separation, gluten separation, and starch washing. Maize starch accounts for 55% of the total maize mass utilized in manufacturing. In mid-December, the March corn futures in Chicago were up around 40% year over year.

For First, Second and Third Quarters of 2021

Asia

Domestic corn starch prices in China continued to fall. The average price of primary corn starch was 3320 RMB/MT, a decrease of 3.51% throughout the week (July 26, 2021). In July, the State Reserve's auction of imported maize continued to cool, a large number of replacement grains arrived in Hong Kong, the bulk of domestic grain storage commerce was realized out of the warehouse, and deep-processing firms significantly decreased the purchase price of corn.

Under the weight of widespread negative news, the domestic maize market price sank precipitously. Maize prices remained low, the wait-and-see attitude of downstream corn starch trade subjects increased, the starch industry's peak season became more apparent, and under the dual pressure of cost and demand, corn starch manufacturers reduced the ex-factory price one after another, sharply lowering the domestic market price.

Europe

As of April 2021, manufacturers of native wheat and maize starch began increasing prices in quarterly contracts and for delivery. They were then preparing to boost pricing on half-year contracts, charging up to 200 EUR/MT extra for July delivery. Due to increased business activity and the addition of corrugated case material and corrugated board capacity in Europe, demand for starch products increased significantly in spring 2021 and continued to do so in June.

Industrial starches were experiencing healthy growth despite a decline in graphic paper consumption as a result of the expanding e-commerce and plastic-free tendencies. Capacity for industrial starch production has risen in recent years in response to growing demand from the paperboard sector. However, two starch drying assets were recently removed from the market, further tightening the present supply-demand balance, and no new drying capacity is scheduled to enter the market this year.

North America

Between 1.5% and 5% starch by weight is used for paper packaging, depending on weight, type, methods, and locality. Corn starch accounted for about 5-18 USD/MT, or 2%-6% of the anticipated total cash cost of containerboard, at the pricing of USD 17.62/CWT. The corn price had the strongest influence on its net cost.

While corn starch prices rose, gross margins remained stable in the 8-9 USD/cwt range. On the raw commodity front, prices for wheat, corn, and soybeans began to rise in 2020 and were subsequently exacerbated in some cases by dry conditions throughout the 2021 crop season.

For the Year 2020

Asia

Domestic corn starch prices in China increased to a record high. The average price of first-grade corn starch for consumption was 2,846.67 RMB/MT in October. Following the two festivals, the price of domestic grain increased again, as did the cost of raw supplies.

The primary concern of starch downstream dealers was that the market price would continue to grow. Resupply demand grew. With downstream demand and cost support, the domestic ex-factory price of the commodity was expected to rise.

The average December price of first-grade corn starch for consumption was 3,160.00 RMB/MT and 3,146.67 RMB/MT, later in the month, a minor reduction of 0.42%. Domestic maize market prices adjusted somewhat lower, raw material costs decreased marginally, and downstream starch purchases were more circumspect. Certain manufacturers reduced the ex-factory pricing marginally. Domestic market corn starch prices went somewhat down in response to the maize price.

Europe

France corn starch prices have fluctuated throughout the years. In 2019, the export price increased by 8.674% to 0.52 USD/kg. Exports to Greece, Poland, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Switzerland were some of the top performing markets for France maize flour per kilogram.

North America

Starch is one of the necessary raw ingredients in papermaking, even if it is not among the greatest cost contributors. Sustained price rises in maize starch might significantly affect the margins of paper packaging makers. US corn starch prices followed the increasing trend in the larger maize market. It contributes to around 1.5% of total US maize demand.

The surge in maize prices that began in August 2020 had been both supply and demand led, a rare and strong combination. On the supply side of the balance sheet, US maize supplies dropped in 2020 owing to drought in the western corn belt and the August 10, 2020 ‘derecho’ storm, which flattened crops through the center of the corn belt. In addition, drought in Brazil, Argentina, and Ukraine led to lower output there, tightening up the world corn supply.

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