Spain’s active involvement in the tapioca starch trade showcases its significance as both an exporter and importer of this versatile commodity. With noteworthy exports to Portugal, Norway, and Romania, Spain contributes significantly to the global tapioca starch market. Simultaneously, the country meets its tapioca starch needs through imports from Brazil, Paraguay, Germany, the Netherlands, and Thailand.
Spain’s Tapioca Starch Exports
In 2021, Spain proudly exported $383k worth of tapioca starch, securing its position as the 27th largest exporter of this product worldwide. Tapioca starch held the 4180th spot on Spain’s list of most exported products, highlighting its moderate significance within the country’s export repertoire.
Portugal emerged as the primary destination for Spain’s tapioca starch exports, with a considerable portion valued at $178k. Norway and Romania were also prominent markets, importing $60k and $47.6k worth of tapioca starch, respectively. Belgium and Italy rounded out the list of noteworthy destinations, with imports amounting to $34.8k and $20.3k, respectively.
Between 2020 and 2021, Spain experienced substantial growth in its tapioca starch exports to Portugal, which increased by $88.7k. Norway and Iceland also showed remarkable growth, with increases of $58.8k and $4.06k, respectively. These developments highlight Spain’s expanding presence and growing demand for tapioca starch in these markets.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Asia | China | 111 |
| Europe | Austria | 3,055 |
| Europe | Belgium | 34,761 |
| Europe | Switzerland | 2,007 |
| Europe | Germany | 4,638 |
| Europe | Denmark | 911 |
| Europe | Estonia | 194 |
| Europe | France | 17,353 |
| Europe | United Kingdom | 677 |
| Europe | Greece | 115 |
| Europe | Iceland | 6,668 |
| Europe | Italy | 20,318 |
| Europe | Malta | 245 |
| Europe | Netherlands | 4,804 |
| Europe | Norway | 60,021 |
| Europe | Portugal | 178,229 |
| Europe | Romania | 47,560 |
| Europe | Slovakia | 838 |
| Europe | Sweden | 202 |
| Europe | Ukraine | 173 |
Spain’s Tapioca Starch Imports
In 2021, Spain imported a total of $4.73M worth of tapioca starch, solidifying its position as the 20th largest global importer. Tapioca starch ranked 3228th on Spain’s list of imported products, indicating its moderate significance within the country’s overall import landscape.
Spain primarily sourced tapioca starch from Brazil, which accounted for a substantial portion valued at $1.56M. Paraguay, Germany, the Netherlands, and Thailand were also significant import partners, supplying respective values of $928k, $621k, $574k, and $524k.
Between 2020 and 2021, Spain experienced notable growth in its import market for tapioca starch from Brazil, which increased by $1.18M. Paraguay and the Netherlands also demonstrated growth, with increases of $660k and $264k, respectively. These developments reflect Spain’s evolving trade relations and increasing tapioca starch requirements from these countries.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Africa | Cameroon | 435 |
| Asia | China | 1,626 |
| Asia | Thailand | 523,605 |
| Asia | Vietnam | 196,428 |
| Asia | Chinese Taipei | 1,903 |
| Europe | Austria | 39,728 |
| Europe | Belgium | 2,606 |
| Europe | Germany | 620,847 |
| Europe | France | 68,394 |
| Europe | United Kingdom | 3,026 |
| Europe | Italy | 110,795 |
| Europe | Netherlands | 573,998 |
| Europe | Portugal | 31,122 |
| Europe | Slovenia | 4,380 |
| Europe | Sweden | 17,607 |
| North America | Nicaragua | 26,192 |
| North America | United States | 7,121 |
| South America | Brazil | 1,563,386 |
| South America | Colombia | 7,651 |
| South America | Paraguay | 927,908 |
Tariffs
As of 2017, Spain faced an average tariff rate of 22.6% on tapioca starch imports. Notably, the countries imposing the highest import tariffs on tapioca starch were the Republic of the Congo, Cape Verde, Algeria, Western Sahara, and Gabon. These nations implemented a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 47.9%, creating trade barriers for Spain’s tapioca starch imports.
Importing Tapioca Starch from Vietnam
Vietnam has emerged as a prominent supplier of tapioca starch to the Spain market. In 2021, the total value of tapioca starch imports from Vietnam amounted to an impressive $196,428. This significant figure indicates that Vietnam’s tapioca starch holds a strong position in the market and is poised to maintain its presence in Spain in the years to come. The reasons behind this sustained importation are primarily attributed to the product’s superior quality and competitive pricing.
Spain benefits from Vietnam’s tapioca starch exports, which provide a dependable supply of this vital ingredient. The substantial import value from Vietnam underscores Spain’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 Spain’s demand for this essential product.
Source: BACI and General Statistics Office of Vietnam