Corn starch exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $21.7 million of corn starch in 2024 (31.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $21.7M | 31.9K t |
| 2023 | $21.8M | 35.0K t |
| 2022 | $19.1M | 29.6K t |
| 2021 | $12.8M | 24.3K t |
| 2020 | $11.3M | 25.6K t |
| 2019 | $10.7M | 23.7K t |
| 2018 | $12.0M | 27.4K t |
| 2017 | $12.3M | 25.8K t |
Where South Africa exports corn starch to
Most of it went to Taiwan (23%), Zimbabwe (12%), Australia (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 47%. Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+63% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | $5.0M | 23% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.6M | 12% |
| Australia | $2.6M | 12% |
| United Arab Emirates | $2.2M | 10% |
| Namibia | $1.7M | 7.8% |
| Zambia | $1.6M | 7.3% |
| Philippines | $1.4M | 6.6% |
| Vietnam | $1.2M | 5.3% |
| Eswatini | $759K | 3.5% |
| Hong Kong | $673K | 3.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.68 per kg, close to the world average of $0.59.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Corn starch imports to South Africa
Imports of corn starch by South Africa reached $5.3 million in 2024 (10.6 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Turkey (37%), Pakistan (18%), India (12%). Among the main suppliers, Egypt grew fastest (+744% on the year before).
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
The shipment records behind South Africa corn starch exports (HS 1108.12): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 1108.12: Starch: maize (corn) starch.
Common questions
What is the value of corn starch exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported corn starch worth $21.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 31.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 20th of 126 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 0% on 2023.
Which countries buy corn starch from South Africa?
Taiwan was the largest buyer with 23% of the value ($5.0 million), followed by Zimbabwe (12%) and Australia (12%). The top three together account for 47%, out of 35 buyer countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 63% on the year.
What is the average export price of corn starch per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.68 per kg in 2024, 15% above the world average of $0.59 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of corn starch from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $12.3 million in 2017 to $21.7 million in 2024, an increase of 77%. The peak was 2023 at $21.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.2 million a year.
Does South Africa also import corn starch?
Yes. South Africa imported $5.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Turkey, Pakistan and India. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $16.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for corn starch?
The HS code for corn starch is subheading 1108.12. It sits in HS chapter 11 (products of the milling industry; malt, starches, inulin, wheat gluten). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1108 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for South Africa. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for South Africa
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