In the dynamic world of international trade, Indonesia has emerged as a dominant force in the tapioca starch market. In 2021, Indonesia proudly exported a substantial $122 million worth of tapioca starch, securing its position as the third-largest exporter of this essential product worldwide. Tapioca starch held a noteworthy standing as the 264th most exported item in Indonesia’s diverse export portfolio.
Indonesia’s Tapioca Starch Exports
China emerged as the primary destination for Indonesia’s tapioca starch exports in 2021, with imports amounting to an impressive $95.8 million. Chinese Taipei and Vietnam followed suit with imports valued at $11.2 million and $11.1 million, respectively. Malaysia and the United States also featured prominently, importing $1.79 million and $1.05 million worth of tapioca starch, respectively, from Indonesia.
Indonesia’s tapioca starch exports experienced robust growth between 2020 and 2021, with China taking the lead with a staggering $82.9 million increase in imports. Vietnam and the United States also demonstrated considerable growth during this period, recording increments of $9 million and $1.05 million, respectively.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Asia | United Arab Emirates | 100 |
| Asia | China | 95,826,774 |
| Asia | Hong Kong | 5,196 |
| Asia | Japan | 100 |
| Asia | South Korea | 3,042 |
| Asia | Sri Lanka | 237,176 |
| Asia | Macau | 2,470 |
| Asia | Malaysia | 1,790,487 |
| Asia | Philippines | 1,011,902 |
| Asia | Singapore | 197,466 |
| Asia | Thailand | 7,388 |
| Asia | Timor-Leste | 5,022 |
| Asia | Vietnam | 11,113,046 |
| Asia | Chinese Taipei | 11,159,336 |
| North America | Canada | 63 |
| North America | United States | 1,051,517 |
| Oceania | Australia | 2,997 |
| Oceania | Cook Islands | 4,305 |
| Oceania | New Zealand | 62,520 |
Indoenesia’s Tapioca Starch Imports
In 2021, Indonesia’s import of tapioca starch amounted to $26 million, ranking the country as the ninth-largest importer of this versatile product on a global scale. Among Indonesia’s top import sources, Thailand dominated the market with exports valued at $25 million. Singapore and Chinese Taipei also played significant roles in supplying tapioca starch, contributing $835,000 and $123,000, respectively. Germany and Japan added to the diversity of imports with exports worth $44.7 thousand and $270, respectively.
During the period between 2020 and 2021, Indonesia witnessed remarkable growth in tapioca starch imports, with Singapore leading the charge with an astounding $798,000 surge in exports. Germany and Japan also experienced substantial growth, boasting increments of $36.5 thousand and $270, respectively.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Asia | Japan | 270 |
| Asia | Singapore | 834,785 |
| Asia | Thailand | 24,985,573 |
| Asia | Chinese Taipei | 123,047 |
| Europe | Germany | 44,685 |
Navigating Tariffs
As of 2018, Indonesia’s average tariff rate for tapioca starch stood at 9.5%. Notably, several countries imposed higher import tariffs, with Angola, Burundi, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Botswana applying a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 10%.
Indonesia’s prominent position in both tapioca starch exports and imports reflects the country’s active role in the global marketplace. As the demand for tapioca starch continues to evolve, Indonesia’s traders and policymakers will navigate the ever-changing trade landscape, seeking new opportunities and fostering sustainable growth in this critical industry.
Data from BACI and General Statistics Office of Vietnam