India’s involvement in the tapioca starch trade reveals its dual role as a prominent exporter and an importer. As an exporter, India has successfully captured major markets such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia. On the import side, India primarily sources tapioca starch from China, Vietnam, and Thailand. However, India’s import volumes remain moderate compared to its export performance.
Exports
In 2021, India emerged as a significant exporter of tapioca starch, with total exports valued at $4.14M. This positioned India as the 12th largest global exporter of tapioca starch, underscoring its strong presence in the international market. Tapioca starch ranked as the 2718th most exported product from India, reflecting the country’s diverse range of export commodities.
The United States stood out as the primary destination for India’s tapioca starch exports, importing a substantial amount worth $1.67M. The United Arab Emirates and Malaysia followed closely, with imports of $523k and $515k, respectively. Nepal and South Africa also featured prominently among India’s tapioca starch export destinations, importing $411k and $403k worth of the product, respectively.
Between 2020 and 2021, India witnessed remarkable growth in its export markets for tapioca starch. The United States recorded impressive progress, with an increase of $1.4M in tapioca starch imports from India. The United Arab Emirates and Malaysia also demonstrated significant growth, with additional imports of $503k and $473k, respectively.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Africa | Kenya | 26,444 |
| Africa | Madagascar | 48,802 |
| Africa | Nigeria | 24,123 |
| Africa | Senegal | 11,893 |
| Africa | South Africa | 402,789 |
| Africa | Zambia | 786 |
| Asia | United Arab Emirates | 522,891 |
| Asia | Bangladesh | 1,279 |
| Asia | Jordan | 10,601 |
| Asia | Kuwait | 3,687 |
| Asia | Sri Lanka | 242,429 |
| Asia | Maldives | 289 |
| Asia | Malaysia | 515,459 |
| Asia | Nepal | 411,050 |
| Asia | Oman | 1,374 |
| Asia | Qatar | 179,003 |
| Asia | Singapore | 701 |
| Asia | Thailand | 54 |
| Europe | Czechia | 744 |
| Europe | Germany | 41 |
| Europe | France | 527 |
| Europe | United Kingdom | 23,959 |
| Europe | Ireland | 14 |
| Europe | Italy | 11,253 |
| Europe | Netherlands | 19,690 |
| Europe | Poland | 854 |
| North America | Barbados | 22 |
| North America | Canada | 13,453 |
| North America | United States | 1,666,001 |
Imports
In 2021, India became the 67th largest global importer of tapioca starch, with imports totaling $340k. Tapioca starch ranked as the 3885th most imported product in India, highlighting the country’s moderate import volumes. China emerged as the primary source of India’s tapioca starch imports, accounting for $120k. Vietnam and Thailand followed suit, contributing $91.9k and $83.2k worth of tapioca starch, respectively. Brazil and Cambodia were also notable suppliers, providing $18.7k and $14.2k worth of the product, respectively.
Between 2020 and 2021, India experienced notable growth in its import markets for tapioca starch. China, the leading supplier, saw a significant increase of $120k in tapioca starch exports to India. Singapore demonstrated progress as well, with an additional $7.39k worth of tapioca starch imports. Brazil contributed to this growth, with an increase of $2.29k.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Africa | Rwanda | 24 |
| Africa | Togo | 902 |
| Africa | Tanzania | 21 |
| Asia | China | 119,759 |
| Asia | Cambodia | 14,200 |
| Asia | Singapore | 7,393 |
| Asia | Thailand | 83,189 |
| Asia | Vietnam | 91,943 |
| Europe | Austria | 1,196 |
| Europe | Poland | 2,934 |
| South America | Brazil | 18,728 |
Importing Tapioca Starch from Vietnam: A Reliable Partnership
Vietnam has emerged as a prominent supplier of tapioca starch to the India market. In 2021, the total value of tapioca starch imports from Vietnam amounted to an impressive $91,943. This significant figure indicates that Vietnam’s tapioca starch holds a strong position in the market and is poised to maintain its presence in India in the years to come. The reasons behind this sustained importation are primarily attributed to the product’s superior quality and competitive pricing.
India benefits from Vietnam’s tapioca starch exports, which provide a dependable supply of this vital ingredient. The substantial import value from Vietnam underscores India’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 India’s demand for this essential product.
Tariffs
In 2018, India imposed an average tariff of 42.3% on tapioca starch imports. Notably, countries such as Angola, Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo had the highest import tariffs, with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 50%.
These tariffs aimed to protect domestic tapioca starch production and promote self-sufficiency within the Indian market. The high duty rates signify India’s intent to support local producers by imposing significant trade barriers on imported tapioca starch.
Source: BACI and General Statistics Office of Vietnam