Cambodia’s involvement in the tapioca starch trade showcases its growing role as both an exporter and importer. As a significant exporter, Cambodia primarily serves China, but also exports to markets like Italy, Belgium, the United States, and Thailand. As an importer, Cambodia relies on suppliers such as Vietnam, China, and Thailand to meet its domestic tapioca starch demand.
Exports
In 2021, Cambodia emerged as the seventh largest exporter of tapioca starch globally, with exports valued at $18.1M. Tapioca starch held the 178th position among Cambodia’s exported goods, highlighting its significance in the country’s export market.
China stood out as the primary destination for Cambodia’s tapioca starch exports, importing a substantial amount worth $16.1M. Italy followed with imports totaling $866k, while Belgium, the United States, and Thailand imported $316k, $235k, and $221k worth of tapioca starch, respectively.
During the period between 2020 and 2021, Cambodia experienced robust growth in its export markets for tapioca starch. Notably, China witnessed remarkable progress, with an increase of $3.92M in imports of Cambodian tapioca starch. Thailand and Belgium also contributed to this growth, importing an additional $221k and $31.9k worth of tapioca starch, respectively.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Asia | China | 16,081,094 |
| Asia | India | 14,200 |
| Asia | Singapore | 43,700 |
| Asia | Thailand | 221,498 |
| Europe | Belgium | 316,471 |
| Europe | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 170 |
| Europe | Switzerland | 2,627 |
| Europe | Czechia | 43,064 |
| Europe | Germany | 62,931 |
| Europe | Italy | 866,319 |
| Europe | Montenegro | 151 |
| Europe | Netherlands | 140,996 |
| Europe | Norway | 2,488 |
| Europe | Poland | 40,681 |
| Europe | Serbia | 379 |
| Europe | Slovakia | 926 |
| Europe | Slovenia | 143 |
| North America | United States | 234,578 |
Imports
In 2021, Cambodia became the 54th largest importer of tapioca starch globally, with imports valued at $681k. Tapioca starch ranked 1898th among the products imported by Cambodia, illustrating its moderate import volumes. Cambodia primarily sourced tapioca starch from Vietnam, with imports amounting to $348k. China followed closely with imports of $289k, while Thailand, the Philippines, and Hong Kong contributed $34.4k, $3.1k, and $2.74k worth of tapioca starch imports, respectively.
Between 2020 and 2021, Cambodia witnessed notable growth in its import markets for tapioca starch. China emerged as the leading supplier, with an increase of $250k in tapioca starch imports. Vietnam also showed substantial progress, contributing an additional $145k to Cambodia’s imports. The Philippines joined the ranks of growing import markets, with imports amounting to $3.1k.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Asia | China | 288,573 |
| Asia | Hong Kong | 2,742 |
| Asia | Philippines | 3,097 |
| Asia | Singapore | 139 |
| Asia | Thailand | 34,422 |
| Asia | Vietnam | 348,478 |
| Asia | Chinese Taipei | 1,727 |
| Europe | France | 1,823 |
| Oceania | Australia | 399 |
Importing Tapioca Starch from Vietnam: A Reliable Partnership
Vietnam has emerged as a prominent supplier of tapioca starch to the Cambodia market. In 2021, the total value of tapioca starch imports from Vietnam amounted to an impressive $348,478. This significant figure indicates that Vietnam’s tapioca starch holds a strong position in the market and is poised to maintain its presence in Cambodia in the years to come. The reasons behind this sustained importation are primarily attributed to the product’s superior quality and competitive pricing.
Cambodia benefits from Vietnam’s tapioca starch exports, which provide a dependable supply of this vital ingredient. The substantial import value from Vietnam underscores Cambodia’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 Cambodia’s demand for this essential product.
Tariffs
In 2016, Cambodia imposed an average tariff of 15% on tapioca starch imports. Notably, countries such as Angola, Burundi, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Botswana had the highest import tariffs, with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 15%.
These tariffs aimed to safeguard and promote the local tapioca starch industry in Cambodia by ensuring a level playing field for domestic producers. The intention was to encourage self-sufficiency and protect domestic market interests in the face of international competition.
Source: BACI and General Statistics Office of Vietnam