Kuwait, an active participant in the global tapioca starch market, has witnessed significant developments in its import activities.
Imports
In 2021, Kuwait imported tapioca starch worth $278k, positioning the country as the 70th largest importer of this product globally. Tapioca starch ranked as the 2661st most imported commodity in Kuwait during the same year. Kuwait primarily imports tapioca starch from Thailand, accounting for the majority of imports at $274k. Additionally, the country sources smaller quantities from India, amounting to $3.69k.
Kuwait experienced notable growth in its import market for tapioca starch between 2020 and 2021. Thailand played a significant role in this growth, with an increase of $12.4k in tapioca starch imports. India also demonstrated positive growth, contributing an additional $3.01k during the same period.
Tariffs
In 2018, the average tariff imposed on tapioca starch imports in Kuwait stood at 4.81%. Notably, Angola, Burundi, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Botswana implemented the highest import tariffs on tapioca starch, with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 5%. These tariffs reflect the trade policies and protective measures enforced by these countries to regulate the inflow of tapioca starch imports.
Conclusion
Kuwait’s role as an importer of tapioca starch highlights its active participation in the global market. The country has witnessed notable growth in its import market, primarily relying on Thailand as the main source of tapioca starch. Additionally, imports from India contribute to Kuwait’s tapioca starch supply. As trade policies and tariffs continue to shape the industry, stakeholders in the tapioca starch trade must remain attentive to evolving market dynamics to capitalize on opportunities and navigate challenges effectively in Kuwait’s dynamic market environment.
Data from BACI