MERCOSUR: Starch Glue Market 2025

Starch Glue Market Size in MERCOSUR

The MERCOSUR starch glue market expanded markedly to $X in 2021, picking up by 7.6% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated a modest expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% 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 -40.6% 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 MERCOSUR

In value terms, starch glue production stood at $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production saw a slight increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the production volume increased by 50% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Starch Glue Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, overseas shipments of glues based on starches, dextrins or other modified starches increased by 12% to X tons, rising for the third consecutive year after two years of decline. Over the period under review, exports recorded mild growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 25% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, starch glue exports reduced to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, saw a pronounced setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when exports increased by 30% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Colombia (X tons) and Brazil (X tons) were the largest exporters of glues based on starches, dextrins or other modified starches in MERCOSUR, together recording near 76% of total exports. Chile (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total exports with a 16% share, followed by Argentina (6.3%). Ecuador (X tons) held a relatively small share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Colombia (with a CAGR of +29.3%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the largest starch glue supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 46% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Colombia ($X), with a 20% share of total exports. It was followed by Chile, with an 18% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Brazil stood at +2.8%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Colombia (+20.6% per year) and Chile (-8.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, dropping by -20.6% against the previous year. Overall, the export price showed a noticeable setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the export price increased by 13%. 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 Argentina ($X per ton), while Colombia ($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 MERCOSUR

For the third year in a row, MERCOSUR recorded growth in overseas purchases of glues based on starches, dextrins or other modified starches, which increased by 0.7% to X tons in 2021. Total imports indicated a resilient expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +33.9% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 38% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, starch glue imports rose slightly to $X in 2021. Overall, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 36%. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Brazil represented the largest importing country with an import of about X tons, which finished at 45% of total imports. Chile (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, followed by Argentina (X tons), Venezuela (X tons), Colombia (X tons), Suriname (X tons) and Peru (X tons). All these countries together took approx. 53% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to starch glue imports into Brazil stood at +32.5%. At the same time, Chile (+45.1%), Venezuela (+28.7%) and Suriname (+14.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Chile emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +45.1% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Colombia (-3.0%), Argentina (-10.2%) and Peru (-11.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Brazil, Chile, Venezuela and Suriname increased by +39, +16, +6.4 and +2.5 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported glues based on starches, dextrins or other modified starches in MERCOSUR, comprising 38% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Argentina ($X), with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by Chile, with a 13% share.

In Brazil, starch glue imports increased at an average annual rate of +18.6% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Argentina (-10.7% per year) and Chile (+39.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, growing by 4% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a noticeable setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the import price increased by 9.9% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Argentina ($X per ton), while Suriname ($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 (-0.5%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform