China’s robust performance in the tapioca starch trade underscores its significance as a major global player. With substantial export volumes and a dominant position as the largest importer, China’s role in shaping the tapioca starch market is undeniable. As China continues to navigate the trade dynamics and tariff challenges, fostering strong relationships with key trading partners such as Thailand and Vietnam remains vital for sustaining the growth and stability of its tapioca starch imports.
Exports
In 2021, China emerged as a significant exporter of tapioca starch, with total exports amounting to $1.39M. This placed China as the 16th largest global exporter of tapioca starch, highlighting its substantial contribution to the international market. Tapioca starch ranked as the 4259th most exported product in China that year, underscoring the country’s diverse export portfolio.
China’s primary destinations for tapioca starch exports included Cambodia, which received $289k worth of shipments. Chinese Taipei and India followed closely, importing $257k and $120k worth of tapioca starch, respectively. Hong Kong and Nigeria also featured prominently among China’s tapioca starch export destinations, importing $94.7k and $87.5k worth of the product, respectively.
Between 2020 and 2021, China experienced remarkable growth in its export markets for tapioca starch. Chinese Taipei demonstrated significant progress, with an increase of $257k in tapioca starch imports from China. Cambodia closely followed, importing an additional $250k worth of the product. India also witnessed notable growth, with an increase of $120k in tapioca starch imports from China.
Where Does China Export Its Tapioca Starch (2021)
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Africa | Ethiopia | 18 |
| Africa | Kenya | 284 |
| Africa | Madagascar | 55,740 |
| Africa | Mauritius | 64 |
| Africa | Nigeria | 87,459 |
| Africa | Senegal | 46,532 |
| Africa | South Africa | 23,922 |
| Africa | Zimbabwe | 15 |
| Asia | Georgia | 40 |
| Asia | Hong Kong | 94,694 |
| Asia | India | 119,759 |
| Asia | Kyrgyzstan | 81,759 |
| Asia | Cambodia | 288,573 |
| Asia | South Korea | 22 |
| Asia | Macau | 8,358 |
| Asia | Malaysia | 9,164 |
| Asia | Singapore | 35,927 |
| Asia | Chinese Taipei | 257,331 |
| Europe | Austria | 197 |
| Europe | Switzerland | 659 |
| Europe | Czechia | 71 |
| Europe | Germany | 87,019 |
| Europe | Spain | 1,626 |
| Europe | Finland | 1,447 |
| Europe | France | 131 |
| Europe | United Kingdom | 12,361 |
| Europe | Ireland | 397 |
| Europe | Netherlands | 1,377 |
| Europe | Poland | 74,390 |
| Europe | Slovenia | 195 |
| Europe | Sweden | 930 |
| North America | Aruba | 109 |
| North America | Belize | 61 |
| North America | Canada | 37,731 |
| North America | United States | 42,192 |
| Oceania | Australia | 15,709 |
| Oceania | Fiji | 430 |
| Oceania | New Zealand | 787 |
Imports
In 2021, China solidified its position as the largest global importer of tapioca starch, with imports amounting to a substantial $2.22B. Tapioca starch ranked as the 132nd most imported product in China, further highlighting the country’s immense import volumes and demand. China primarily sourced its tapioca starch imports from Thailand, which accounted for a staggering $1.17B. Vietnam followed closely, contributing $913M to China’s tapioca starch imports. Indonesia played a significant role as well, supplying $95.8M, while Laos and Cambodia provided $24.2M and $16.1M worth of tapioca starch, respectively.
Between 2020 and 2021, China witnessed remarkable growth in its import markets for tapioca starch. Thailand, the leading supplier, saw a substantial increase of $462M in tapioca starch exports to China. Vietnam also experienced notable growth, with an additional $95M worth of tapioca starch imports. Indonesia demonstrated impressive progress, increasing its exports to China by $82.9M.
Where Does China Import Its Tapioca Starch (2021)
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Africa | Nigeria | 792 |
| Africa | Tanzania | 70 |
| Asia | Hong Kong | 184,802 |
| Asia | Indonesia | 95,826,774 |
| Asia | Japan | 5,031 |
| Asia | Cambodia | 16,081,094 |
| Asia | South Korea | 28 |
| Asia | Laos | 24,195,577 |
| Asia | Burma | 150,853 |
| Asia | Thailand | 1,172,557,087 |
| Asia | Vietnam | 912,553,709 |
| Asia | Chinese Taipei | 199,321 |
| Europe | Germany | 58 |
| Europe | Spain | 111 |
| Europe | France | 56 |
| North America | United States | 131 |
| South America | Brazil | 38,487 |
Importing Tapioca Starch from Vietnam: A Reliable Partnership
Vietnam has emerged as a prominent supplier of tapioca starch to the China market. In 2021, the total value of tapioca starch imports from Vietnam amounted to an impressive $912,553,709. This significant figure indicates that Vietnam’s tapioca starch holds a strong position in the market and is poised to maintain its presence in China in the years to come. The reasons behind this sustained importation are primarily attributed to the product’s superior quality and competitive pricing.
China benefits from Vietnam’s tapioca starch exports, which provide a dependable supply of this vital ingredient. The substantial import value from Vietnam underscores China’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 China’s demand for this essential product.
Tariffs
In 2018, China faced an average tariff rate of 7.86% on tapioca starch imports. Notably, several countries imposed higher tariffs on this product, including Burkina Faso, Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These countries maintained a Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment, resulting in a 10% tariff on tapioca starch imports into China.
These higher import tariffs present trade challenges and potential cost implications for China’s tapioca starch imports. Managing tariff barriers and fostering favorable trade relations with these countries becomes crucial for ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective tapioca starch market in China.
Source: BACI and General Statistics Office of Vietnam