Starch (amylum) is a high-molecular-weight carbohydrate composed of glucose units and classified as a polysaccharide. It is widely used in food processing, chemical manufacture and pharmaceutical preparations. China is the world’s largest starch producer, with corn starch alone accounting for more than 40 % of global output.

       Customs figures for January-November 2025 show export earnings of US$143 million, up 136.98 % year-on-year, while shipment volume rose 334.85 % to 269,800 tonnes. Corn starch dominated at 196,700 t (52.61 % of the total), followed by potato starch (23,300 t, 14.97 %), unlisted starches (30.87 %), and combined cassava/wheat starches (1.55 %).

       Although cassava and wheat starch volumes remain modest, both posted double-digit growth: cassava starch shipments rose 91.33 % and wheat starch 25.07 % versus the same period in 2024. Excluding the “unlisted” category, potato and corn starches both recorded strong gains—corn starch surged 884.21 % and potato starch 274.67 %.

       The figures show that Chinese starch exports revolve around corn starch and the “not elsewhere specified” basket, with demand heavily concentrated in a few bulk lines. Potato starch—once a specialty segment—remains steady, while wheat and cassava starches command small shares and far more volatile offtake.

Asia dominates demand
       Indonesia, the Philippines, Viet Nam, Malaysia and Thailand are the core buyers of corn and unlisted starches. Korea is the key market for potato starch and some unlisted grades, absorbing large volumes at price levels well above regional averages. The United States purchases potato starch frequently but in smaller, more fragmented orders, signalling stable yet diversified demand.

Africa is emerging fast
       Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and South Africa have ramped up corn-starch buying since March 2025, with monthly values rising sharply. The continent’s potential is beginning to unlock and Chinese suppliers should track these markets closely.

Trade-defence backdrop
       Beijing extended anti-dumping duties on EU potato starch for five years from 6 Feb 2025 (rates 12.6 %–56.7 %). Although China’s exports to Europe are modest, Brussels is still conducting a countervailing investigation on Chinese corn starch.

Outlook
       With output and shipments already world-leading, China is expected to cement its role as the global price-anchor for plant-based raw materials by raising the share of high-amylose, modified and organic grades in its export mix.

Note: data cover HS 11081100 (wheat starch), 11081200 (corn starch), 11081300 (potato starch), 11081400 (cassava starch) and 11081900 (other starches).

       As China's first data company, Guomaotong provides import and export customs data for over 90 countries from 2010 to present. It can accurately analyze market distribution and transaction details of import and export enterprises online, and analyze transaction volumes, prices, and supply cycles. It offers reliable data for foreign trade enterprises and industry consulting firms.

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