Switzerland, though not a prominent player in the tapioca starch market, exhibited its involvement in the global trade of this commodity through its export and import activities in 2021.
Switzerland’s Tapioca Starch Exports
In 2021, Switzerland exported $2.25k worth of tapioca starch, positioning itself as the 81st largest exporter of this product globally. Tapioca starch occupied the 4328th position on Switzerland’s list of exported goods, indicating its relatively modest role in the country’s overall export portfolio.
Germany emerged as the primary destination for Switzerland’s tapioca starch exports, accounting for the majority of shipments valued at $2.02k. Austria also received a portion of Switzerland’s tapioca starch exports, amounting to $229. Singapore constituted a smaller market, with exports totaling $5.
Between 2020 and 2021, Switzerland experienced notable growth in its tapioca starch exports to Germany, which increased by $1.86k. Austria also witnessed growth, albeit on a smaller scale, with an increase of $229. These developments indicate an expanding demand for Swiss tapioca starch in these markets.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Asia | Singapore | 5 |
| Europe | Austria | 229 |
| Europe | Germany | 2,020 |
Switzerland’s Tapioca Starch Imports
In 2021, Switzerland imported a total of $1.56M worth of tapioca starch, securing the 38th position among the largest global importers. Tapioca starch held the 3285th spot on Switzerland’s list of imported products, reflecting its moderate significance in the country’s overall import landscape.
Thailand emerged as the primary source of Switzerland’s tapioca starch imports, contributing a significant portion valued at $718k. Germany also played a notable role as a supplier, with imports amounting to $653k. Portugal, Pakistan, and the Netherlands were additional import sources, with respective values of $46.1k, $46k, and $24.9k.
Between 2020 and 2021, Switzerland experienced remarkable growth in its import market for tapioca starch from Thailand, which increased by $268k. Pakistan and Paraguay also demonstrated growth, with increases of $29.1k and $17.3k, respectively. These developments highlight Switzerland’s evolving tapioca starch trade relations with these countries.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Africa | Cameroon | 216 |
| Africa | Nigeria | 1,633 |
| Asia | China | 659 |
| Asia | Cambodia | 2,627 |
| Asia | Sri Lanka | 383 |
| Asia | Pakistan | 45,980 |
| Asia | Thailand | 717,924 |
| Asia | Vietnam | 5,381 |
| Asia | Chinese Taipei | 3,373 |
| Europe | Austria | 41 |
| Europe | Belgium | 1,290 |
| Europe | Germany | 653,104 |
| Europe | Spain | 2,007 |
| Europe | France | 9,790 |
| Europe | Italy | 4,924 |
| Europe | Netherlands | 24,868 |
| Europe | Portugal | 46,112 |
| North America | Mexico | 152 |
| South America | Argentina | 62 |
| South America | Brazil | 23,688 |
| South America | Colombia | 15 |
| South America | Peru | 69 |
| South America | Paraguay | 17,619 |
Tariffs
As of 2019, Switzerland faced an average tariff rate of 10% on tapioca starch imports. Notably, the countries imposing the highest import tariffs on tapioca starch were Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, and Cape Verde. These nations applied a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 14.2%, presenting trade barriers for Switzerland’s tapioca starch imports.
Importing Tapioca Starch from Vietnam
Vietnam has emerged as a prominent supplier of tapioca starch to the Switzerland market. In 2021, the total value of tapioca starch imports from Vietnam amounted to an impressive $5,381. This significant figure indicates that Vietnam’s tapioca starch holds a strong position in the market and is poised to maintain its presence in Switzerland in the years to come. The reasons behind this sustained importation are primarily attributed to the product’s superior quality and competitive pricing.
Switzerland benefits from Vietnam’s tapioca starch exports, which provide a dependable supply of this vital ingredient. The substantial import value from Vietnam underscores Switzerland’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 Switzerland’s demand for this essential product.
Switzerland’s Role in the Tapioca Starch Trade
While Switzerland’s involvement in the tapioca starch trade may not be as prominent as some other countries, its participation demonstrates its engagement with this versatile commodity. Through exports to Germany and Austria and imports from Thailand and Germany, Switzerland actively contributes to the global tapioca starch market.
Navigating the tariff landscape remains crucial for Switzerland as it seeks to maintain a competitive and sustainable tapioca starch trade. As market dynamics and trade relations continue to evolve, Switzerland’s position as an exporter and importer of tapioca starch may undergo further transformations in the future.
Source: BACI and General Statistics Office of Vietnam