Lebanon has begun to establish its presence in the global tapioca starch trade, with both export and import activities. While still a relatively modest player in terms of volumes, Lebanon has witnessed growth in its export markets, particularly in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Simultaneously, the country imports tapioca starch primarily from Thailand and Vietnam, with notable increases observed in imports from the Netherlands and Chinese Taipei.
Exports
In 2021, Lebanon ventured into the tapioca starch export market, recording exports valued at $715. This placed the country as the 86th largest exporter of tapioca starch globally. Tapioca starch ranked 2970th among Lebanon’s exported products, highlighting its emerging role in the country’s export sector.
Lebanon’s primary destinations for tapioca starch exports were Qatar, with imports amounting to $531, and the United Arab Emirates, with imports valued at $184. These countries demonstrated a growing demand for Lebanese tapioca starch. Notably, between 2020 and 2021, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates exhibited the highest growth rates as export markets, increasing by $531 and $184, respectively.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Asia | United Arab Emirates | 184 |
| Asia | Qatar | 531 |
Imports
In 2021, Lebanon imported $221k worth of tapioca starch, establishing itself as the 72nd largest importer of tapioca starch globally. Tapioca starch ranked as the 2099th most imported product in Lebanon, signifying moderate import volumes. Lebanon primarily sourced tapioca starch from Thailand, with imports amounting to $155k. Vietnam followed suit with imports valued at $52.9k. Additionally, Lebanon imported smaller quantities from the Netherlands ($13.7k) and Chinese Taipei ($27).
Between 2020 and 2021, Lebanon experienced notable growth in its import markets for tapioca starch. Import volumes from Vietnam surged by $42.2k, while imports from the Netherlands increased by $633.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Asia | Thailand | 154,569 |
| Asia | Vietnam | 52,902 |
| Asia | Chinese Taipei | 27 |
| Europe | Netherlands | 13,654 |
Importing Tapioca Starch from Vietnam: A Reliable Partnership
Vietnam has emerged as a prominent supplier of tapioca starch to the Lebanon market. In 2021, the total value of tapioca starch imports from Vietnam amounted to an impressive $52,902. This significant figure indicates that Vietnam’s tapioca starch holds a strong position in the market and is poised to maintain its presence in Lebanon in the years to come. The reasons behind this sustained importation are primarily attributed to the product’s superior quality and competitive pricing.
Lebanon benefits from Vietnam’s tapioca starch exports, which provide a dependable supply of this vital ingredient. The substantial import value from Vietnam underscores Lebanon’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 Lebanon’s demand for this essential product.
Tariffs
In 2018, Lebanon implemented an average tariff rate of 4.46% 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 5%.
These tariff rates aimed to regulate and protect Lebanon’s tapioca starch industry, fostering fair trade practices while ensuring the welfare of domestic producers. By maintaining import duties, Lebanon aimed to balance its domestic market and support local tapioca starch production.
Source: BACI and General Statistics Office of Vietnam