Romania’s Corn Starch market was steady in October, after a 0.5% increase driven by stable industrial and export demand. Despite a small decrease in maize feedstock prices and some post-harvest logistical issues, processors kept utilization rates at 80-85% to fulfill their obligations for food, pharmaceutical and industrial applications. Exports to Central and Eastern Europe continued to flow smoothly, due to the stable USD/Euro dynamics that improved FOB prices. Domestic inventories were balanced, so no shortages occurred, and port throughput at Constanta was smooth. The stable situation was also supported by consistent quality and disciplined procurement from downstream users. Demand was strong from food processing, pharmaceuticals, adhesives and paper sectors, with year-end restocking ahead of production supporting consumption. For November, the Corn Starch market is expected to remain firm. Balanced supply, moderate buying and smooth logistics will keep prices steady, with only small fluctuations, so processors, exporters and distributors will be confident.
Romania’s Corn Starch market was steady in October, following the calmness seen in the previous months. Prices were supported by industrial and export demand, despite small decreases in maize feedstock prices and minor logistics issues. Players said seasonal production cycles and post-harvest flows ensured Corn Starch availability and both domestic and international buyers were on regular procurement. Export momentum was good, especially to Central and Eastern European markets and Corn Starch was moving smoothly through main ports with food-grade quality. Industry sources said the balance between supply and demand was calm, no big price moves.
In October, Corn Starch FOB Constanta was at USD 982/MT, up 0.5% from the previous month. Despite softer corn prices due to good harvest conditions, starch processors were running at 80-85% utilization, fulfilling contracts for food, pharmaceutical and industrial applications. Export competitiveness was boosted by the appreciation of the USD against the Euro, and European buyers were inquiring for forward business. Minor post-harvest logistical delays affected inland transport, but Constanta port was sufficient to meet the demand. The price movement of Corn Starch was mainly due to partial cost absorption by processors and positive currency effects, rather than supply constraints, so trade fundamentals are still strong.
The supply of Corn Starch in October was characterized by normal maize availability and steady processing. Fresh-crop inflows improved significantly after harvest, and food-grade Corn Starch production was stable in October. Processors managed quality variations from weather impacts, prioritizing high standard lots for sensitive applications. Domestic inventories were balanced, and no supply gaps were seen, while port operations were smooth and Corn Starch exports were uninterrupted. Traders said Corn Starch flows were continuous and stockpiling was minimal, so the price was stable.
Demand for corn starch is still going strong, due to the continued industrial restocking and steady orders from the food processing, pharma, adhesives & paper sectors. European corn starch export demand is holding up, helped along by a favorable exchange rate and the tariff free trade. Meanwhile domestic buyers are buying on contract to meet their Q4 production targets. On top of all that, there's still a lot of interest in corn starch because of innovating in areas like bio-based and clean-label products.
Looking ahead, market experts think corn starch prices are probably going to stay stable in November. There's not a lot of buying activity right now ahead of year end production, and the supply of corn starch is well balanced, so that should help keep prices from sharp changes. While export business may slow a bit, overall, the market feels stable for corn starch. If the logistics are reliable and availability is consistent, then Corn Starch in a good spot to finish the year on a stable note.
