Latin America and the Caribbean: Starch Glue Market 2025

Starch Glue Market Size in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Latin American starch glue market expanded significantly to $X in 2021, rising by 11% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated a temperate expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -34.7% against 2016 indices. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Starch Glue Production in Latin America and the Caribbean

In value terms, starch glue production rose significantly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production enjoyed a modest increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 48%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Starch Glue Exports

Exports in Latin America and the Caribbean

After two years of growth, overseas shipments of glues based on starches, dextrins or other modified starches decreased by -1.2% to X tons in 2021. Total exports indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.9% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +50.5% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 29% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2020, and then fell in the following year.

In value terms, starch glue exports declined slightly to $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +4.0% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 29%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2020, and then reduced in the following year.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Mexico (X tons) represented the largest exporter of glues based on starches, dextrins or other modified starches, mixing up 57% of total exports. Colombia (X tons) took a 15% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Brazil (13%) and Chile (5.8%). Guatemala (X tons) and Argentina (X tons) held a little share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to starch glue exports from Mexico stood at +11.0%. At the same time, Colombia (+29.3%), Guatemala (+10.1%) and Brazil (+5.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Colombia emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a CAGR of +29.3% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Chile (-8.3%) and Argentina (-14.4%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Mexico (+20 p.p.) and Colombia (+13 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Argentina and Chile saw its share reduced by -13.7% and -15.6% from 2012 to 2021, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Mexico ($X) remains the largest starch glue supplier in Latin America and the Caribbean, comprising 55% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Brazil ($X), with a 16% share of total exports. It was followed by Guatemala, with a 7.3% share.

In Mexico, starch glue exports expanded at an average annual rate of +10.9% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Brazil (+2.8% per year) and Guatemala (+10.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Latin America and the Caribbean stood at $X per ton in 2021, declining by -3.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a slight decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the export price increased by 7.8% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2021, the export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Guatemala ($X per ton), while Colombia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Argentina (+4.3%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Starch Glue Imports

Imports in Latin America and the Caribbean

Starch glue imports surged to X tons in 2021, jumping by 42% compared with the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed a strong expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 47% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

In value terms, starch glue imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated strong growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.1% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +71.6% against 2016 indices. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Mexico prevails in imports structure, finishing at X tons, which was near 77% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Brazil (X tons), creating a 5.5% share of total imports. The following importers - Cuba (X tons), Chile (X tons), Guatemala (X tons) and El Salvador (X tons) - together made up 8.3% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to starch glue imports into Mexico stood at +15.0%. At the same time, El Salvador (+59.3%), Chile (+45.1%), Brazil (+32.5%), Cuba (+21.3%) and Guatemala (+5.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, El Salvador emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a CAGR of +59.3% from 2012-2021. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Mexico, Brazil, Chile and El Salvador increased by +12, +4.2, +1.8 and +1.5 percentage points, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Mexico ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported glues based on starches, dextrins or other modified starches in Latin America and the Caribbean, comprising 69% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Brazil ($X), with a 6% share of total imports. It was followed by Cuba, with a 3% share.

In Mexico, starch glue imports increased at an average annual rate of +10.9% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Brazil (+18.6% per year) and Cuba (+7.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $X per ton, with a decrease of -2.3% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a deep contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 a decrease of -0.2%. Over the period under review, import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Guatemala ($X per ton), while Mexico ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mexico (-3.6%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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