Belgium’s active involvement in the global tapioca starch trade underscores its significance as both an exporter and an importer. With a vibrant presence in the market, Belgium’s contributions shape the dynamics of the tapioca starch industry.
Exports
In 2021, Belgium made a noteworthy contribution to the tapioca starch market, exporting a total of $5.84 million. This achievement positioned Belgium as the 11th largest exporter of tapioca starch worldwide. Although tapioca starch itself ranked as the 2432nd most exported product from Belgium in the same year, Belgium demonstrated a significant presence in the global tapioca starch trade.
The primary destinations for Belgium’s tapioca starch exports were the Netherlands, Poland, France, the United Kingdom, and Czechia. Notably, the Netherlands stood out as the leading destination, with exports reaching $4.76 million. Other notable export partners included Poland ($276k), France ($168k), the United Kingdom ($167k), and Czechia ($134k).
Between 2020 and 2021, Belgium experienced notable growth in its export markets for tapioca starch, with significant expansions observed in the Netherlands ($4.73 million), Poland ($274k), and France ($164k). This surge in export activity indicates an increasing demand for Belgium’s tapioca starch in these regions.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Africa | Republic of the Congo | 1,256 |
| Africa | Seychelles | 5 |
| Asia | United Arab Emirates | 21,195 |
| Asia | Macau | 1,437 |
| Europe | Austria | 93,992 |
| Europe | Switzerland | 1,290 |
| Europe | Czechia | 134,180 |
| Europe | Germany | 5,564 |
| Europe | Denmark | 9,017 |
| Europe | Spain | 2,606 |
| Europe | France | 167,904 |
| Europe | United Kingdom | 167,102 |
| Europe | Hungary | 24,972 |
| Europe | Ireland | 1,919 |
| Europe | Italy | 61,032 |
| Europe | Luxembourg | 20 |
| Europe | Netherlands | 4,757,839 |
| Europe | Poland | 276,058 |
| Europe | Sweden | 107,852 |
Imports
In 2021, Belgium emerged as the 19th largest importer of tapioca starch globally, with imports valued at $5.19 million. Tapioca starch itself ranked as the 2969th most imported product in Belgium during the same year, highlighting Belgium’s reliance on tapioca starch imports to meet domestic demand.
Thailand served as the primary source for Belgium’s tapioca starch imports, accounting for a significant $3.18 million. Other notable import partners included the Netherlands ($1.07 million), Cambodia ($316k), Brazil ($170k), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo ($121k).
During the period between 2020 and 2021, Belgium witnessed substantial growth in its import market for tapioca starch, with notable expansions observed in imports from Thailand ($1.72 million), Brazil ($154k), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo ($93.9k). This upward trend reflects Belgium’s dependence on these countries to fulfill its tapioca starch requirements.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Africa | Burundi | 23,483 |
| Africa | Cote d’Ivoire | 675 |
| Africa | Cameroon | 2,677 |
| Africa | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 120,829 |
| Africa | Republic of the Congo | 1,624 |
| Africa | Ghana | 744 |
| Africa | Guinea | 1,655 |
| Africa | Nigeria | 1,497 |
| Africa | Rwanda | 14,521 |
| Africa | Senegal | 293 |
| Africa | Togo | 23,586 |
| Africa | Uganda | 676 |
| Asia | Cambodia | 316,471 |
| Asia | Thailand | 3,182,580 |
| Asia | Vietnam | 59,676 |
| Asia | Chinese Taipei | 12,819 |
| Europe | Germany | 49,831 |
| Europe | Spain | 34,761 |
| Europe | France | 63,507 |
| Europe | United Kingdom | 2,246 |
| Europe | Italy | 937 |
| Europe | Netherlands | 1,072,060 |
| Europe | Portugal | 17,195 |
| North America | United States | 1,060 |
| South America | Brazil | 170,410 |
| South America | Ecuador | 18,159 |
Importing Tapioca Starch from Vietnam: A Reliable Partnership
Vietnam has emerged as a prominent supplier of tapioca starch to the Belgium market. In 2021, the total value of tapioca starch imports from Vietnam amounted to an impressive $59,676. This significant figure indicates that Vietnam’s tapioca starch holds a strong position in the market and is poised to maintain its presence in Belgium in the years to come. The reasons behind this sustained importation are primarily attributed to the product’s superior quality and competitive pricing.
Belgium benefits from Vietnam’s tapioca starch exports, which provide a dependable supply of this vital ingredient. The substantial import value from Vietnam underscores Belgium’s confidence in Vietnam as a trusted and preferred partner for fulfilling its tapioca starch requirements. With its consistent quality and competitive pricing, Vietnam’s tapioca starch has proven to be a reliable source that meets Belgium’s demand for this essential product.
Tariffs
In 2017, Belgium faced an average tariff of 22.6% on tapioca starch imports. Notably, the countries with the highest import tariffs for tapioca starch were the Republic of the Congo, Cape Verde, Algeria, Western Sahara, and Gabon. These nations imposed a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 47.9%, signifying a significant trade barrier for Belgium’s tapioca starch imports.
Source: BACI and General Statistics Office of Vietnam