For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
In Q1 2024, the pricing of Potato starch in the North America region experienced notable fluctuations, reflecting the complex interplay of various factors shaping market conditions. The pricing trend throughout the quarter exhibited a mixed pattern, characterized by shifts in both supply and demand dynamics, alongside external factors influencing the market.The price trajectory of Potato starch in the region showed increases in January, followed by declines in February and March.
At the onset of the quarter, prices surged due to heightened buying activity in downstream sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. Additionally, disruptions at two crucial shipping chokepoints, namely the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal, resulted in increased costs for U.S. retailers, subsequently leading to higher prices for consumers. However, as the quarter progressed, prices declined due to cautious consumer attitudes towards the economy. Factors such as sluggish retail sales and subdued consumer spending contributed to this decline. Persistent inflationary pressures further compounded consumer caution, prompting a conservative approach to finances.
In conclusion, the pricing dynamics of Potato starch in the North America region during Q1 2024 were influenced by a combination of demand patterns, consumer sentiment, and inventory management strategies. The quarter-ending price for Potato Starch in the USA was recorded at USD 1130/MT CFR New York, reflecting the intricate and fluctuating nature of the market during this period.
Asia Pacific
In Q1 2024, the Potato Starch market in the APAC region experienced a mixed pricing environment characterized by fluctuations throughout the quarter. Prices initially decreased in January due to reduced consumption in downstream sectors. The depreciation of the South Korean won against the US dollar led to increased costs for imports, including Potato Starch, prompting a decrease in demand from consumers and businesses and consequently pushing prices downwards. However, prices surged in February as demand from downstream industries, such as food and pharmaceuticals, experienced a notable increase. This uptick in demand was fueled by an improvement in business sentiments, marked by a notable increase in new orders and inquiries. The positive outlook bolstered overall demand within the domestic market, surpassing available supply levels and resulting in a pronounced surge in Potato Starch prices. However, prices declined again towards the end of the quarter, attributed to weak consumption seen across various end-sectors, exacerbated by sluggish improvements in financing conditions due to high interest rates. The quarter-ending price for Potato Starch in South Korea was recorded at USD 1145/MT CFR Gwangyang, reflecting the mixed pricing environment observed throughout the quarter, influenced by changes in demand, currency fluctuations, and financing conditions.
Europe
In the first quarter of 2024, the pricing dynamics of Potato starch in Europe unfolded amidst a nuanced backdrop influenced by a myriad of factors. Initially, prices witnessed an uptick driven by geopolitical tensions, logistical hurdles, and constrained inventories. Heightened demand from the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors further influenced market dynamics. Concurrently, prolonged disruptions in the Red Sea complicated trade routes between Asia and Europe, resulting in escalated freight costs that impacted the pricing scenario of Potato starch, particularly in the Netherlands. However, as the quarter progressed, prices experienced a decline in February and March, attributable to the market grappling with persistently lackluster performance in new industrial orders. Insufficient domestic demand juxtaposed against a relatively high backlog contributed to the downward trajectory of Potato starch prices in the Europe region. Moreover, this decrease in demand, coupled with the central bank's decision to maintain existing interest rates, added complexity to the market environment by placing additional strain on consumers' purchasing power. In response to these challenges, market suppliers and traders endeavored to address excess inventories amidst sluggish domestic demand, working to navigate through the intricacies of the evolving market landscape. In conclusion, the latest quarter-ending price for Potato starch in the Netherlands was recorded at USD 1020/MT FOB Rotterdam. The pricing environment in Europe has been characterized as unstable, with fluctuations driven by factors such as demand, geopolitical tensions, and currency movements.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
The North American potato starch market in the fourth quarter of 2023 witnessed several factors that influenced prices. Firstly, the market experienced a moderate decline in prices, primarily driven by subdued demand and ample supply of potato starch. The ongoing challenges of inflation and high interest rates have diminished consumer confidence and purchasing power, leading to weakened demand from end-users.
The US, being the largest market in the region, experienced a decrease in prices during this quarter. The sustained high interest rates and concerns about the political climate affected consumer confidence and led to lower demand for potato starch. Furthermore, the depreciation of the US dollar against foreign currencies resulted in more expensive imports, further impacting the supply and prices of potato starch in the domestic market.
Overall, the potato starch market in North America experienced downward price pressure due to weakened demand, ample supply, and the impact of economic factors and raw material prices, with the US market being particularly affected. The quarter ended with a price of USD 1160/MT CFR New York for potato starch in the USA.
APAC
The fourth quarter of 2023 witnessed a challenging period for the Potato Starch market in the APAC region. Several factors contributed to the market dynamics during this period. Firstly, weakened consumer sentiments and a slowing economic recovery impacted the demand for Potato Starch in various industries, such as food and pharmaceuticals. This, coupled with ample global supply, led to a decline in prices. Secondly, high-interest rates persisted, putting strain on consumers' purchasing power and further dampening demand. Lastly, the stabilization of oil prices and easing inflation reduced business expenses and shipping costs, supporting the overall downward trajectory of Potato Starch prices. In South Korea, which experienced the most significant price changes in the APAC region, the market situation remained unstable. Consumer sentiment fell for the fourth consecutive month, reflecting concerns about an economic slowdown and weakened spending power. Additionally, inflation rose to its highest level in five months, further impacting consumers' confidence. Despite adequate supply, demand remained weak, leading to lower prices. However, the market is expected to rebound in the coming months, supported by improved trade activities and a potential recovery in business sentiments. The price of Potato Starch CFR Gwangyang in South Korea for the current quarter is USD 1145/MT.
Europe
Potato starch pricing in Europe during the fourth quarter of 2023 witnessed various factors that impacted the market. The market was influenced by subdued demand and surplus supply, leading to a decline in prices. Additionally, the manufacturing industry experienced a contraction due to decreased consumption both domestically and internationally. The decrease in inflation levels, particularly in the food sector, contributed to lower production and operational costs, further driving down prices. The Netherlands, in particular, experienced a significant decline in manufacturing activity, resulting in reduced output and new business. The inflation rate in the country also decreased, primarily due to a significant drop in energy prices. In the Netherlands, the price of potato starch decreased by 0.85% in September, reaching USD 1160/MT FOB Rotterdam. This decline was mainly attributed to subdued demand from end-user sectors and a surplus supply in the market. The manufacturing industry in the country experienced a contraction, leading to reduced output and new orders. The decrease in inflation levels, particularly in the food sector, resulted in lower production costs and a decline in raw potato prices, ultimately impacting the price of potato starch. Overall, the potato starch market in Europe during the fourth quarter of 2023 was influenced by weakened demand, surplus supply, and a contraction in the manufacturing industry. The latest price of potato starch in the Netherlands was USD 1140/MT FOB Rotterdam.
For the Quarter Ending September 2023
North America
The cost of Potato Starch experienced a graceful reduction of 1.67% in September 2023, as compared to the levels witnessed in July. Business activity in the United States fell in the third quarter due to weaker demand from both local and foreign markets. In the United States, inflation rose to 3.7% in August for the first time since June 2022, as a sharp surge in energy costs drove prices higher at the end of the summer, weighing even more on consumer confidence. Inflationary pressures imply that the US economy is drifting away from the Federal Reserve's 2% target rate, prompting authorities to consider raising interest rates later this year. The Federal Reserve raised its key policy interest rate by 0.25 percent in July, the eleventh time in 17 months, to battle persistent inflation in the US economy, which has resulted in decreasing market demand. Inflation remained high in September, owing mostly to increasing gas and rental prices, which put a further burden on households. New orders declined for the sixth consecutive month, but at a reduced rate, causing Potato Starch prices to fall.
Asia Pacific
Potato Starch prices in the Chinese market exhibited a diverse trajectory during the third quarter. Prices rose in July as a consequence of rising demand from both domestic and international markets, as well as a lack of supply in the market. The manufacturing sector remained in recession in July, although it improved somewhat compared to the previous scenario, showing that industrial production efficiency grew modestly as market demand increased. Rising demand from both domestic and foreign markets pushed enterprises to raise their selling prices, adding to the upward trend. Prices fell in August due to weaker end-user demand and abundant market supplies. Manufacturing activity decreased for the fifth consecutive month in August, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), while service sector development slowed as consumers continued to curb their spending. Furthermore, rising interest rates in key export nations contributed to a drop in global Potato Starch demand, exacerbating the negative trend. Prices rose in September, however, due to a consistent increase in new orders, indicating an increase in demand for the manufacturing business.
Europe
The prices of Potato Starch in Germany exhibited a diverse trajectory during the third quarter. In the month of July, prices experienced a notable surge as a result of heightened demand from end-consumers, complemented by a reduction in stock levels among market merchants and suppliers. Furthermore, intense heat waves and heavy rain in Germany impeded transportation networks, leading supply times to meet market demand to be delayed, causing Potato Starch prices to rise. Potato starch prices, on the other hand, decreased in August due to abundant availability among market suppliers and a decline in client demand. New orders and consuming activities were reported to be down among market retailers and service providers. Furthermore, rising interest rates and inflation eroded consumer confidence, leading to a drop in domestic demand for Potato Starch. Despite this, prices increased in September, indicating a comeback in consumer confidence in the German market. This present trend might be attributed to a variety of critical factors, including a scarcity of available inventory, rising energy prices, and growing end-user demand.
For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
In the second quarter of 2023, the US potato starch market experienced volatility. The first two months of the second quarter saw steady price gains due to hampered supply and demand dynamics. Due to increased demand from end-user suppliers, there is a moderate shortage of potato starch on domestic warehouse shelves, leading to price hikes in the market. Trade between Asia and the United States has increased since the zero-resistance policy against COVID-19 was abolished. In early June, prices finally began to fall, and the market experienced a significant slowdown in US potato starch development. The US potato starch market faced bleak market sentiment due to declining demand from local downstream industries. Amid weak demand, inventories remained excessive, forcing suppliers to sell at lower prices. Traders are reluctant to place bulk orders as prices continue to fall and are expected to be further slaughtered by big players in the US potato starch market.
Asia
The Potato starch market in the second quarter of 2023 in the Asia Pacific region showcased a mixed trajectory. The price was valued and accessed at USD 1245/MT FOB Tianjin as of the end of Q2 2023, representing an average quarterly decline of 1.11%. At the commencement of Q2, the prices dropped, backed by a Lackluster demand outlook and sufficient supplies. In the mid of Q2, the Potato starch market showed significant price inflation due to soaring domestic and international orders. China's exports saw a better-than-expected market situation as consistent inquiries from the domestic and international markets remained above average. Also, the increased production rates to refill the inventories with fresh stock and cater to the upcoming demand market situation remained strong. The supply of Potato starch has been somewhat constrained, due to several factors, including production disruptions in China and the ongoing war in Ukraine. This reduced supply has also contributed to the increase in prices. Later with the termination of mid-Q2, the prices fluctuated, and the prices witnessed to deflate significantly. Due to a large inventory of potato starch in the warehouse, the supplier had to reduce the price to reduce the existing inventory. In addition, this price trend was mainly due to a decrease in sales in final consumption areas, and there were no new inquiries from domestic and overseas suppliers. Demand from downstream industries such as food preservatives, plasticizers, and cosmetics has declined in recent months.
Europe
The second quarter of 2023 saw volatility in the European market for potato starch. As the second quarter began, prices rose due to the gap between the supply and demand side of the market. The price hike was exacerbated by a national surge in domestic inquiries. However, dealer inventories were sufficient to cover gross demand for the month. That said, another factor supporting this increased demand for potato starch is the appreciation of the Euro against the US Dollar. The Euro's strength against the US dollar could make German exports more expensive for foreign buyers and reduce export sales, while imports would become cheaper for German consumers, and domestic inquiries could increase. Inflation in Europe fell to 7.4%, data show. Unexpected production cut decisions by OPEC+ members also had a positive impact on the market environment. Higher energy costs, higher production costs, and higher transportation costs all contributed to the continued strength of the market. Prices fell late in the third month (June) of the second quarter, and in a short period of time, the potato starch market experienced a significant decline. Germany's inflation rate fell to 7.4% in March 2023, according to a report from the Federal Statistical Office. Also, with the arrival of the monsoon season, restocking was halted as buyers delayed large orders, increasing the risk of damage. Suppliers have delivered potato starch at low prices, but buyers are still waiting for further price cuts from production plants. Suppliers lowered their asking prices for potato starch on the German spot market due to a domino effect caused by weak demand and increased stocks of potato starch.
For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
In the North American region, Potato Starch followed the fluctuating price trajectory in the first quarter of 2023. With prices climbing in January, the US Potato Starch market got the first quarter off to a better start. Rising import costs from EU nations put pressure on Potato Starch prices in the US. Additionally, the market for the product was harmed by rising inflation and rising feedstock prices for potatoes. However, these values subsequently fell in February due to downstream companies' strong wait-and-see stance, which compelled US suppliers to lower their pricing to increase orders. By the conclusion of the quarter, the product's price had decreased as a result of decreased demand from the downstream pharmaceutical business and available inventories. Thus, rising to USD 1340/MT in March from USD 1200/MT in January, an unstable market was seen in the prices of Potato Starch.
Asia- Pacific
In the first quarter of 2023, Potato Starch prices in the Asia Pacific region experienced a swing in the market, supported by a lingering downstream demand from a variety of end-user pharmaceutical and food sectors. With prices climbing sharply to USD 1360/MT as a result of cost transmission in some areas, the Potato Starch market in China got off to a strong start for the quarter. Due to the inadequate supply of potatoes as a feedstock among Chinese producers, Potato Starch inventories decreased at the forefront of delayed production operations in the domestic market. Prior to plummeting in March, prices began to stabilize towards the lower side as November rolled around. The majority of downstream starch transactions kept a staunch wait-and-see attitude as a result of the significant decline in Potato Starch pricing that took place in H1 of Q1. Thus, by the end of Q1, the FOB Shanghai prices for Potato Starch in China were assessed at USD 1290/MT.
Europe
In the European region, the price of Potato Starch displayed fluctuating price trajectory during the entire first quarter of 2023. The price fluctuated from USD 1300/MT in January to USD 1100/MT in March. Reduced potato production in the European Union had an impact on how Potato Starch was processed in the manufacturing unit. Within a fairly short period of time, the oversupply of starch on the German market was replaced by scarcity. The majority of Potato Starch manufacturers in Germany struggled to supply their current customers, which left them with almost no room for new clients. Trade sources report that there has been a healthy and rising demand from end-user industries over the last month, including the local and global food and pharmaceutical sectors, with values in Germany edging up.
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
In the North American region, Potato Starch followed the seesaw price trajectory in the fourth quarter of 2022. The US Potato Starch market started the quarter on a higher note, with prices rising upto 1.2% in October. In the USA, Potato Starch price pressure came from rising import costs from EU countries. Moreover, increasing inflation and surging feedstock Potato prices also impacted the product market. However, these values eventually decreased in November as downstream entities were in a solid wait-and-see attitude, forcing US suppliers to cut their prices to increase orders. By the end of the year, soaring demand from the downstream pharmaceutical industry for the product, coupled with a shortage of inventories, resulted in a price increase. Thus, rising to USD 1310/MT in December from USD 1280/MT in November, a gain of 2.3% was seen in the prices of Potato Starch.
Asia- Pacific
In the fourth quarter of 2022, Potato Starch prices in the Asia Pacific region experienced a swing in the market, supported by a lingering downstream demand from a variety of end-user pharmaceutical and food sectors. The Potato Starch market in China started the quarter off well, with prices rising significantly to USD 1360/MT as a result of cost transmission in some parts. Potato starch inventories shrank at the forefront of slow production activities in the domestic market due to the low supply of feedstock Potato among Chinese manufacturers. Entering November, prices started to stabilize towards the lower side before falling 2.2% in December. Because of the sharp drop in potato starch prices that occurred in H2 of Q4, most downstream starch transactions maintained a strong wait-and-see stance. Thus, by the end of Q4, the FOB Shanghai prices for Potato Starch in China were assessed at USD 1320/MT.
Europe
In the European region, the price of Potato Starch displayed an upward price trajectory during the entire fourth quarter of 2022. The price escalated from USD 1035/MT in October to USD 1260/MT in December. Lower domestic and EU production of feedstock Potatoes impacted the processing of Potato Starch in the manufacturing unit. In the German starch market, the situation turned from oversupply to shortage within a very short time. Most producers of potato starch in Germany faced instability in supplying current clients and virtually left less for new customers. As per trade sources, a healthy and increasing demand throughout the quarter from the end-user industries, including the domestic and international food and pharmaceutical sectors, with values in Germany nudging up.
For The Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
In the North American region, the Potato Starch price trend followed an upward trajectory in the third quarter of 2022 due to increased demand from the downstream sector and limited stock among domestic merchants. However, Potato Starch inventories were low in the domestic market due to lesser imports from Germany and the Netherlands on the back of reduced production after the climatic change. Moreover, the purchasing activities were high due to surging offtakes from end-user pharmaceutical and food sectors. Therefore, the CFR New York prices for Potato Starch in the United States displayed a 7.8% increment by the end of Q3, with prices assembling at USD 1285/MT.
Asia- Pacific
In the Asia Pacific, the prices of Potato Starch witnessed a seesaw sentiment in the market during the third quarter of 2022, backed by the hovered downstream demand for Potato Starch from various end-user pharmaceutical and food industries. With entering the quarter, the Potato Starch market opened on a good note, with prices rising considerably amidst positive domestic trade entities. However, the feedstock potato prices as a whole increased, as did the cost of producing Potato Starch. Towards H2 of Q3, the Potato Starch prices suddenly decreased due to shrinking demand, and most downstream starch trades kept a solid wait-and-see attitude. To secure shipment, producers cut the price marginally, resulting in a modest decline in the overall cost of domestic Potato Starch. Thus, by the end of Q3, the FOB Shanghai prices for Potato Starch in China were assessed at USD 1320/MT.
Europe
The price of Potato Starch in Q3 2022 saw an upward movement due to the tight supply of starch at the forefront of low production activities. Also, the surge in feedstock Potato prices on the back of disrupted production influenced the prices of Potato Starch to increase up to 11.1%. However, Potato Starch inventories were low due to a reduced supply of feedstock potatoes amidst the high temperatures in the country. Moreover, strong demand fundamentals from various downstream pharmaceutical and food sectors were noticed. Therefore, traders increased the export price to regain their margin by fulfilling the consistent order of overseas buyers from the existing inventories manufacturers have. Thus, the price of Potato Starch in Germany settled at USD 1020/MT in September 2022.
