Qatar, a significant participant in the global tapioca starch market, has witnessed notable developments in its import activities.
Imports
In 2021, Qatar imported tapioca starch worth $384k, positioning the country as the 66th largest importer of this product globally. Tapioca starch ranked as the 2446th most imported commodity in Qatar during the same year. Qatar primarily imports tapioca starch from India, with imports amounting to $179k. Additionally, the country sources significant quantities from Thailand ($165k), Chinese Taipei ($31.1k), Sri Lanka ($8.54k), and Lebanon ($531).
Qatar experienced notable growth in its import market for tapioca starch between 2020 and 2021. India played a pivotal role in this growth, contributing $176k to the overall import value. Additionally, Qatar witnessed positive growth in imports from Sri Lanka ($4.24k) and Lebanon ($531) during the same period.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Asia | India | 179,003 |
| Asia | Lebanon | 531 |
| Asia | Sri Lanka | 8,536 |
| Asia | Thailand | 164,940 |
| Asia | Chinese Taipei | 31,125 |
Tariffs
In 2019, the average tariff imposed on tapioca starch imports in Qatar 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
Qatar’s involvement in the tapioca starch trade underscores its active participation in the global market. The country has witnessed notable growth in its import market, relying on India and Thailand as the primary sources of tapioca starch. Qatar’s imports from Chinese Taipei, Sri Lanka, and Lebanon also contribute to meeting its tapioca starch demands. As trade policies and tariffs continue to shape the industry, stakeholders in the tapioca starch trade must remain vigilant about evolving market dynamics to capitalize on opportunities and navigate challenges effectively in Qatar’s dynamic market environment.
Data from BACI