For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Potato Starch Price Index fell by 4.20% quarter-over-quarter, driven by weaker demand.
• The average Potato Starch price for the quarter was approximately USD 1140.00/MT per metric tonne.
• Potato Starch Spot Price weakened amid ample inventories, subdued export demand, pressuring offers and volumes.
• Potato Starch Price Forecast indicates recovery into Q4 as manufacturers restock ahead of demand increases.
• Potato Starch Production Cost Trend faced upward pressure from elevated freight and import expenses earlier.
• Potato Starch Demand Outlook mixed with food processors steady but pharmaceutical offtake softening, reducing upside.
• Potato Starch Price Index reflected export arbitrage and buyer caution amid tariff uncertainty and inventories.
• Suppliers signalled tighter allocations protecting margins, supporting Potato Starch Price Index and limiting supply growth.
Why did the price of Potato Starch change in September 2025 in North America?
• Elevated domestic inventories and softer pharmaceutical demand reduced buying urgency, exerting downward pressure on prices.
• Lower freight rates and stronger USD eased import costs, moderating production cost pressures for processors.
• Trade uncertainty and tariff concerns encouraged cautious procurement, reducing spot activity and limiting near-term recovery.
APAC
• In Indonesia, the Potato Starch Price Index fell by 11.52% quarter-over-quarter, driven by weak demand.
• The average Potato Starch price for the quarter was approximately USD 1050.00/MT, reported CFR offers.
• Elevated inventories pressured the Potato Starch Spot Price and kept the Price Index soft overall.
• Lower input and freight costs eased the Potato Starch Production Cost Trend, reducing supplier support.
• The Potato Starch Demand Outlook remains subdued as downstream food and pharmaceutical offtake stayed weak.
• Near term Potato Starch Price Forecast indicates modest recovery driven by seasonal food sector restocking.
• Regional converter uptime limited supply disruptions, while the Price Index reflected exporters' inventory clearance strategies.
• IDR appreciation reduced landed costs, improving Potato Starch Production Cost Trend and pressuring Spot Price.
Why did the price of Potato Starch change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Soft European export offers lowered landed costs, intensifying competition and pressuring Indonesian Potato Starch purchasing.
• Elevated inventories and weak downstream manufacturing reduced buying urgency, sustaining downward pressure on Price Index.
• Rising freight volatility and fluctuating currency movements offset cost gains, complicating import timing and volumes.
Europe
• In Germany, the Potato Starch Price Index fell by 3.03% quarter-over-quarter, driven by elevated inventories.
• The average Potato Starch price for the quarter was approximately USD 1065.00/MT, indicating subdued demand.
• Potato Starch Spot Price softened as suppliers discounted offers to accelerate stock depletion, satisfy demand.
• Potato Starch Production Cost Trend eased as raw potato prices fell, lowering processor input costs.
• Potato Starch Demand Outlook remains subdued; pharmaceutical and food processors are reducing orders, delaying restocking.
• Potato Starch Price Forecast indicates upward trajectory in H2 as procurement resumes and inventories normalize.
• Potato Starch Price Index sensitivity to Euro movements reduced export appetite, constraining overseas orders, margins.
• Suppliers tightened offers, balanced forward contracts, and logistics improvements supported price stabilization despite ample stocks.
Why did the price of Potato Starch change in September 2025 in Europe?
• High inventories and expanded potato cultivation increased feedstock supply, reducing leverage and pressuring spot values.
• Falling raw potato prices lowered production costs, prompting suppliers to reduce offers amid weaker demand.
• Reduced export orders and stronger Euro squeezed competitiveness abroad, while smoother logistics diminished urgent restocking.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Potato Starch Price Index in the USA registered a continued upward trend in July 2025 following the marginal increase of 0.86% in June, driven by persistent supply-side cost pressures and steady consumption in food and pharmaceutical sectors.
• The Spot Price of Potato Starch CFR New York reached USD 1175 in June 2025 and saw further upward movement in July due to high import costs, firm freight rates, and procurement momentum sustained by downstream demand.
• Price Forecast for August 2025 suggests a stable to bullish outlook as manufacturers anticipate continued cost pass-throughs from elevated logistics and strong food-grade starch consumption trends, especially in Midwest and East Coast regions.
• Production Cost Trend remained firm throughout July 2025 due to the sustained depreciation of the USD and increased freight surcharges from Europe and Asia, inflating landed costs despite stable raw material prices abroad.
• Demand Outlook in July remained solid, with starch usage from processed food and nutraceutical manufacturers witnessing a seasonal pickup and ongoing manufacturing growth prompting consistent weekly procurement across East Coast distribution hubs.
• Why did the price of Potato Starch change in July 2025?
• Prices increased due to the sustained impact of high freight rates, a weaker USD inflating import costs, and strong buying sentiment from U.S. food processors and pharma sectors, particularly in New York and New Jersey industrial corridors.
Europe
• The Price Index for Potato Starch in Europe (Germany) shifted upward in July 2025 after a prolonged decline, reflecting a reversal in market sentiment compared to June’s 1.83% drop in export prices.
• Spot Price of Potato Starch FOB Hamburg rose from USD 1075/MT in June 2025 as demand improved and inventory pressure slightly eased.
• Price Forecast for August 2025 anticipates continued firmness in pricing amid expected tightening of available stocks and potential harvest delays due to erratic July rainfall in parts of Western Europe.
• Production Cost Trend showed marginal increases as raw potato prices stabilized following a sharp earlier drop, while packaging and logistics costs rose slightly amid port delays and higher container rates.
• Demand Outlook turned moderately positive, supported by restocking from the food and pharma sectors and renewed export inquiries from Asian markets.
• Why did the price of Potato Starch change in July 2025?
• Prices in Germany increased in July 2025 due to moderate demand recovery, reduced inventory pressure, and steady export orders from Asia. Slight tightening in available stocks and slower-than-expected new harvest progress also supported this upward trend.
• Inventory and supply-demand dynamics tightened slightly as processors slowed output adjustments despite previous overstocking, while buyers returned cautiously ahead of new crop arrivals.
• Regional cues included erratic weather across Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, affecting harvest timing and driving precautionary stockpiling among end-users.
APAC
• In APAC (Indonesia), the Price Index for Potato Starch CFR Tanjung Priok rose in July 2025, reversing the 1.68% decline seen in June and signaling stronger regional procurement activity.
• The Spot Price of Potato Starch increased to USD 1170/MT in July 2025 as buyers resumed imports amid tightening inventories and firmer European export offers.
• Why did the price of Potato Starch change in July 2025?
• The price rise was primarily driven by reduced export availability from Europe, higher production costs in Germany, increased freight charges, and renewed buying from food-grade and pharmaceutical sectors.
• The Production Cost Trend for Potato Starch turned bullish in July 2025 due to higher energy and packaging costs in Germany, along with elevated shipping rates to Asian markets.
• The Demand Outlook for Potato Starch in Indonesia improved in July, supported by restocking for Q3 demand cycles and optimism in processed food output recovery.
• The Price Forecast for Potato Starch in August 2025 points toward continued firmness, supported by tighter stocks and sustained global demand for clean-label starches.
• Inventory drawdowns in Indonesia prompted aggressive forward buying of Potato Starch, further boosting spot prices in July 2025.
• Currency pressures in July raised the landed cost of Potato Starch imports into Indonesia, particularly due to a firmer Euro against the Rupiah and US Dollar.
• Export competitiveness of Potato Starch from Germany weakened slightly in July 2025 as local prices firmed, reducing margin flexibility for European sellers.
• Improved regional trade sentiment and recovery in institutional foodservice contracts bolstered July spot demand for Potato Starch in Southeast Asia.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, Potato Starch prices in the USA saw notable increases, driven by a combination of trade policies, stockpiling, and rising operational costs. In January, a surge in demand occurred as U.S. importers rushed to stock up ahead of a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, set to take effect in February. This was compounded by the Chinese Lunar New Year, which further strained supply chains. Additionally, rising energy costs contributed significantly to the upward price trajectory.
February continued this trend with an increase in prices due to the implementation of tariffs, which added costs to imported goods, including Potato Starch. Buyers also anticipated a potential 25% tariff on pharmaceutical ingredients, prompting further stockpiling. By March, the pace of price increases slowed to just 0.41%, driven by weakening demand, high inventory levels, and geopolitical uncertainty. The U.S. dollar’s depreciation and concerns over potential European tariffs added to market caution.
Although logistical bottlenecks eased slightly, the market remained cautious as global economic and trade policy concerns influenced buying behavior.
Asia Pacific
In Q1 2025, the Indonesian market for potato starch experienced a consistent upward trend. The prices of potato starch surged in January, supported by favorable market conditions such as strong demand from downstream industries like food processing, textiles, and paper manufacturing. A decline in inflation rates and the Indonesian central bank's decision to cut policy rates further fueled consumer confidence and purchasing power. This led market participants to adjust prices upward in response to increased demand. In February, supply chain disruptions and rising import costs played a significant role in pushing prices higher. Delays at key European ports, coupled with labor disputes and increased yard utilization, created logistical bottlenecks, affecting shipments to Indonesia. Additionally, the depreciation of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar contributed to increased import costs. By March, the upward price trend continued, driven by sustained demand across various sectors. Overall, Q1 saw steady price increases for potato starch in Indonesia, reflecting a combination of favorable demand dynamics and supply-side challenges.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the Netherlands experienced a steady increase in Potato Starch prices, driven by a combination of demand and supply-side factors. January saw a significant rise, fueled by improved business confidence and stronger demand from industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and paper production. Positive economic sentiment, coupled with rising inflation and energy costs, pushed up production expenses, which were passed on to consumers. February continued the upward trend due to supply constraints. Harsh winter conditions disrupted logistics and processing, reducing starch output and export availability. Additionally, higher energy prices and labor shortages led to increased manufacturing costs, further raising prices. Stable demand from key sectors such as food, paper, and textiles helped support the market. The anticipation of potential U.S. tariffs also prompted larger orders from U.S. buyers, tightening supply and adding to price pressure. By March, consistent demand maintained high prices. Overall, Q1 2025 was marked by rising Potato Starch prices driven by strong demand, limited supply, and higher production costs.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
Potato starch prices in the U.S. market during Q4 2024 displayed significant fluctuations due to a mix of demand-supply dynamics, macroeconomic factors, and geopolitical developments. October saw a sharp price increase, fueled by heightened consumer demand following Federal Reserve rate cuts, ongoing port congestion from labor strikes, and preemptive inventory buildups ahead of the Christmas period. These disruptions, coupled with rerouted shipments amid tariff concerns under the incoming administration, intensified supply chain stress and drove up competition among buyers.
However, prices declined in November as demand softened, driven by inflationary pressures and high interest rates, while the U.S. dollar's strength made imports cheaper. The resolution of logistical bottlenecks, combined with healthy inventories, allowed for competitive pricing, further easing costs.
By December, prices fell further due to reduced consumer confidence, seasonal demand declines, and abundant stock levels maintained in anticipation of January’s potential strike and the Lunar New Year. The uncertainty around proposed tariffs also curbed purchasing activity, encouraging a cautious market stance. Overall, Q4 was marked by initial upward pressure on prices in October, followed by a gradual decline in November and December as market conditions stabilized.
Asia Pacific
In Q4 2024, Potato Starch prices in China exhibited a steady downward trajectory, influenced by a mix of domestic oversupply, weak demand, and global economic conditions. In October, subdued consumer demand within China, paired with an oversupplied market, intensified competition among suppliers, driving prices lower. Geopolitical uncertainties, particularly concerns surrounding the U.S. elections, further weakened export demand, particularly from key international markets. By November, the downward trend persisted as high distributor inventories and cautious market sentiment continued to suppress prices. Weak demand from international markets, including the U.S. and Europe, was exacerbated by fears of potential tariffs and slowing global trade. Additionally, declining crude oil prices reduced operational costs, enabling manufacturers to lower their selling prices without significantly impacting margins. In December, the price decline remained consistent. Domestic consumption was sluggish, and international orders from major buyers diminished, leaving suppliers with excess inventories. To mitigate storage costs and avoid stockpile issues before the Chinese Lunar New Year, suppliers offered further price reductions. Overall, Q4 2024 reflected a combination of oversupply, lackluster demand both domestically and abroad, and economic pressures, resulting in a continuous decrease in Potato Starch prices in China.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the Potato Starch market in Germany exhibited mixed trends influenced by varying economic and market dynamics. Prices saw a slight increase in October due to improved business morale, bolstered by the European Central Bank’s rate cut to 3.25%, which stimulated consumer confidence and spending. Pre-Christmas inventory buildup, coupled with logistical disruptions like longer transit times and port congestion in Hamburg, further fueled the price uptick. However, November marked a turning point with a slight decline in prices, driven by subdued demand from food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. Weak retail performance and a 1.9% drop in energy prices eased inflationary pressures, reducing operational costs and enabling competitive pricing. The downward trend continued in December as reduced purchasing activity and buyer caution, fueled by inflation concerns and economic instability, dampened demand. Sufficient inventories and harsh winter weather, which disrupted logistics and slowed consumer spending, further pressured prices downward. Overall, Q4 reflected a dynamic interplay of economic recovery efforts, seasonal adjustments, and supply chain constraints shaping the Potato Starch market in Germany.
