Potato starch market in North America edges higher, outlook suggests modest growth to 2035

The North American potato starch market showed signs of steady improvement in 2024, with consumption reaching 664,000 tons, according to a new market report by IndexBox. This represents a 1.1 percent increase compared with 2023, marking the second consecutive year of growth following a prolonged period of decline. In value terms, the market rose to approximately US$606 million in 2024, a three percent year-on-year gain.

The United States remains the dominant force in the region, accounting for around 88 percent of total potato starch consumption and 83 percent of production in 2024. Canada, however, records the highest per capita consumption, with roughly 2 kilograms per person, compared with 1.7 kilograms per person in the United States.

Production Trends

Regional potato starch production reached about 523,000 tons in 2024, a decline of 2.2 percent compared with the previous year. In value terms, production stood at US$465 million, down from earlier peak levels. The United States produced approximately 433,000 tons, while Canada contributed around 90,000 tons.

Trade Developments

North American imports of potato starch rose significantly in 2024, climbing 14 percent year on year to about 175,000 tons. The value of these imports amounted to roughly US$166 million. The United States was responsible for about 92 percent of total imports (161,000 tons), while Canada imported approximately 14,000 tons.

Exports also expanded, with shipments increasing by 11 percent to reach 34,000 tons in 2024. Canada emerged as the leading exporter, supplying nearly 25,000 tons and accounting for about 76 percent of the region’s total exports. The United States exported 8,200 tons. In value terms, North American exports reached about US$24 million.

Price Dynamics

The average import price of potato starch in North America stood at US$949 per ton in 2024, down 9.5 percent compared with the previous year. Prices varied between countries: Canada’s average import price was higher, at US$1,135 per ton, while the U.S. averaged US$933 per ton.

Export prices also slipped slightly, with the regional average at US$705 per ton in 2024. U.S. exporters commanded a higher price, averaging US$970 per ton, compared with US$620 per ton for Canadian shipments.

Forecast to 2035

Looking ahead, IndexBox forecasts modest but sustained growth in the North American potato starch sector. By 2035, consumption is projected to reach 725,000 tons, with a market value of approximately US$674 million. This reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.8 percent in volume and 1.0 percent in value over the 2024-2035 period.

Industry Implications

The report suggests that consumption growth in North America will increasingly rely on imports, given that production has not kept pace with demand. Falling import prices may exert pressure on regional producers, while Canada’s strong export position points to competitive advantages in production and trade. For both U.S. and Canadian producers, opportunities for modernization and efficiency gains will be central to meeting future demand.

Source: IndexBox, “Potato Starch – Northern America Market Overview 2024”