Corn Starch Prices Explained

Corn starch prices rely on the commodity’s extensive use in the food, feed, and industrial sectors. Global inflation and the side-by-side geopolitical wars caused significant effects on the starch market.

North American corn starch prices showed a 3.84% quarterly decline due to the availability of corn starch from major exporting countries. Similarly, the Asia Pacific Region (APAC) recorded an average quarterly decline of 1.05% as most countries rebounded with high-yield new corn season, impacting domestic corn starch prices.

Additionally, corn starch prices in the European region displayed a 7.35% quarterly decline due to inflation, low production costs, and ample inventories. Furthermore, the corn starch market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) sees a decline, averaging 2.66% quarterly. MEA struggles to compete with Brazil and the U.S.  (the already-established major starch-exporting countries).

Why are corn starch prices fluctuating?

1. Weather Conditions

Unfavorable weather conditions such as droughts or excessive amounts of rainfall impact corn crops, affecting the amount and quality of the raw material utilized to produce corn starch. For instance, the bad weather in Northeast, China caused the country’s recent market corn starch turmoil. Additionally, the disruptive snowfall delayed transportation routes and affected the whole supply chain, ultimately rousing corn starch prices.

2. Raw Material Costs

Corn is the main raw material used in the production of corn starch. As a result, any price fluctuations of this commodity have a direct effect on the total cost of producing corn starch. Particularly, corn starch prices are more likely to rise when there is an oversupply of corn available.

3. Supply and Demand

Since corn is the main input needed to produce corn starch, variations in corn supply will have an immediate impact on the amount of corn needed.

Moreover, differences in the cost of producing corn starch stem from the variation in corn availability. For instance, an oversupply of maize or corn and a decline in demand from numerous businesses are responsible for the recent drop in corn starch prices in the USA in August 2023.

4. Alternative Uses of Corn

Corn is a versatile crop that finds extensive use in food, animal feed, biofuels, and industrial operations. Therefore, any increase in the need for corn from these industries drives competition for the limited corn supply which openly influences its availability and prices. Additionally, changes in the demand in alternative industries impact overall corn and corn starch prices.

Which variables impact the price of corn starch?

• Weather Conditions
• Raw Material Costs
• Supply and Demand
• Alternatives Uses of Corn
• Global Market Influence
• Import and Export Demand

Where does corn starch come from?

Corn starch is made from the endosperm of corn kernels or maize and was first used in starch laundry and other industrial uses. Nowadays, it’s a typical culinary ingredient used to thicken sauces and soups.

The extraction of corn starch is a complex process, involving multiple steps to separate the starch from other components of the corn kernel. Here is an overview of the extraction process:

1. Cleaning – The corn kernels undergo a thorough cleaning procedure to get rid of contaminants like dust, dirt, and foreign objects. Additionally, this ensures that the extracted starch is pure and of high grade.

2. Soaking – The corn kernels are cleaned and submerged in water to cause softening. This procedure makes it easier to separate the starch from the other kernel ingredients.

3. Wet Milling – After soaking, the corn is milled or finely ground to create a slurry. During this process, the maize is broken down into its many components, which include starch, fiber, protein, and germ.

4. Separation – The slurry is separated to extract the starch; centrifuges and hydrocyclones are frequently used for this purpose.

5. Protein Removal – To get rid of any leftover proteins, the recovered starch is processed further. Purified starch is often obtained using the washing process or by using enzymes that break down the proteins.

6. Drying – To eliminate excess moisture, the purified starch undergoes a drying process through air drying or specialized drying equipment.

7. Milling and Packaging – After the drying process, they are ground into a fine powder, and packed for sale and distribution.

What are the uses of cornstarch?

Corn starch provides an intricate combination of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other naturally occurring nutrients, making it an essential energy source in animal feed.

Its versatility as a natural polymer contributes to its wide range of uses across multiple industries. Here are some of the industrial uses of corn starch:

1. Food Industry – It is commonly used as a thickening ingredient in soups, sauces, and gravies. Additionally, it is a stabilizer in food products and the production of sweeteners.

2. Biofuel Production – Corn starch is used in large quantities to produce ethanol, which is a type of biofuel.

3. Textile Industry – It acts as a sizing agent, enhancing the strength of yarn and improving weaving efficiency in textile production.

4. Paper Industry – Corn starch is used in the sizing of paper to improve the strength and printability of paper products.

5. Fermentation – Also, it is used in the fermentation process for the production of amino acids, organic acids, enzymes, and yeast

6. Cosmetics – Corn starch acts as a compacting agent for pressed powders

7. Chemical Industry – Corn starch finds application in the chemical sector where it is used to produce resins, surfactants, polyurethanes, and biodegradable polymers.

What is the future price of corn starch?

The market for corn starch is expanding due to the rising demand for cosmetics as well as increases in textile sales and production. Global corn consumption has grown significantly in recent years due to increased demand from important industries such as ethanol, animal feed, and other industrial uses.

Sorbitol production is another significant end-user industry, driven by rising demand from corn-consuming countries like the U.S. and China. Also, the Asia Pacific (APAC) continuously has a robust need for sweeteners from corn starch for biodegradable plastic production. This commodity is a clean alternative as a synthetic thickener and stabilizer in plastic manufacturing.

In the coming years, market expansion is expected to be driven by the biofuels sector’s predicted rise, which will also be aided by the worldwide industry’s overall growth from rising population and urbanization. Overall, the price of corn starch will be $5.9 per kilogram in 2028 and its market value is projected to reach $17,066.2 million by 2027 at a CAGR of 6.4%.