Chan Ye Xin Xi Wang·2025-07-09 01:13Core Viewpoint - The corn starch industry in China is a crucial pillar of the agricultural product deep processing sector, exhibiting a mature supply-demand system with a balanced state in 2024, where production is projected to reach 37.99 million tons and apparent demand at 37.97 million tons, indicating a tight balance overall [1][13]. Group 1: Industry Overview - The corn starch industry has established a stable supply-demand structure, with production and demand closely aligned, reflecting a trend of "stable total volume and optimized structure" [1][13]. - The industry is transitioning from traditional scale expansion to high-quality development, with an increasing proportion of high-value-added products, demonstrating resilience [1][13]. - The corn starch is derived from corn kernels through various processes and is categorized into three types: regular corn starch, modified starch, and specialty corn starch, widely used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and biodegradable materials [2][4]. Group 2: Policy Support - Recent national policies have significantly supported the corn starch industry, emphasizing green manufacturing and high-end product development, with specific encouragement for bio-based products and functional food additives [4]. - Local governments are also promoting the development of the corn starch deep processing industry, aiming for a stable planting area and a substantial industry scale by 2027 [4]. Group 3: Industry Chain - The corn starch industry in China features a complete industrial chain with a "dispersed upstream, concentrated midstream, and diversified downstream" structure [6]. - The midstream processing segment is highly concentrated, with key regions like Shandong and Hebei forming industrial clusters, while downstream applications are diversifying into traditional and emerging sectors [6]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The corn production in China is vital, with a total output exceeding 294.92 million tons in 2024, accounting for over 40% of the total grain production, supported by increased planting area and yield [9]. - The demand for corn starch is robust across various sectors, with the food industry being the largest consumer, followed by starch sugar, paper, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals [11]. Group 5: Competitive Landscape - The competitive landscape of the corn starch industry is characterized by a concentration of leading firms, with the top five companies holding approximately 45% market share, while smaller firms focus on niche markets [19]. - The industry is evolving towards a "technology-driven, chain collaboration, and scenario-focused" competitive model, with leading companies integrating their operations from corn to starch to bio-based materials [19]. Group 6: Future Trends - The corn starch industry is undergoing a transformation driven by technological innovation, with advancements in smart manufacturing and green production methods [21]. - Market demand is shifting towards high-end and diversified applications, particularly in biodegradable materials and health-oriented products, with significant growth expected in these areas [22][23]. - The industry is also seeing increased integration and globalization, with leading firms expanding their operations and establishing a presence in international markets [24].