Vietnam has emerged as a global powerhouse in the tapioca starch market, exhibiting impressive export figures and securing a prominent position as a major exporter.
Vietnam’s Tapioca Starch Exports
In 2021, Vietnam’s tapioca starch exports amounted to a staggering $945 million, establishing the country as the second-largest exporter of tapioca starch globally. Among Vietnam’s export products, tapioca starch ranked 57th in terms of overall export volume. The primary destinations for Vietnam’s tapioca starch exports were China, accounting for a significant $913 million, followed by Chinese Taipei at $14.2 million, the Philippines at $3.18 million, Pakistan at $2.43 million, and the United States at $2.1 million.
Vietnam experienced substantial growth in its tapioca starch exports between 2020 and 2021, with notable expansion in key markets. China emerged as the leading destination, exhibiting an impressive increase of $95 million, followed by Pakistan at $1.76 million, and Bangladesh at $1.09 million. These figures underscore Vietnam’s success in tapping into growing demand for tapioca starch in these countries and capitalizing on its strong export capabilities.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Africa | Angola | 1,020 |
| Africa | Algeria | 240,841 |
| Africa | Madagascar | 227,792 |
| Africa | Senegal | 438,500 |
| Africa | Tanzania | 36,062 |
| Africa | South Africa | 818,148 |
| Africa | Zambia | 13,307 |
| Asia | United Arab Emirates | 85,165 |
| Asia | Armenia | 9,601 |
| Asia | Bangladesh | 1,278,032 |
| Asia | China | 912,553,709 |
| Asia | Hong Kong | 12,960 |
| Asia | India | 91,943 |
| Asia | Japan | 337,377 |
| Asia | Cambodia | 348,478 |
| Asia | South Korea | 1,253,929 |
| Asia | Laos | 628 |
| Asia | Lebanon | 52,902 |
| Asia | Sri Lanka | 18,881 |
| Asia | Malaysia | 1,419,530 |
| Asia | Pakistan | 2,428,010 |
| Asia | Philippines | 3,179,437 |
| Asia | Singapore | 1,414,335 |
| Asia | Thailand | 22 |
| Asia | Turkey | 89,713 |
| Asia | Chinese Taipei | 14,195,210 |
| Europe | Belgium | 59,676 |
| Europe | Bulgaria | 1,942 |
| Europe | Belarus | 92,499 |
| Europe | Switzerland | 5,381 |
| Europe | Czechia | 4,402 |
| Europe | Germany | 5,483 |
| Europe | Denmark | 12 |
| Europe | Spain | 196,428 |
| Europe | Finland | 9,295 |
| Europe | France | 90,317 |
| Europe | United Kingdom | 78,838 |
| Europe | Hungary | 23,177 |
| Europe | Iceland | 504 |
| Europe | Lithuania | 64,220 |
| Europe | Netherlands | 208,624 |
| Europe | Norway | 1,272 |
| Europe | Poland | 465,776 |
| Europe | Romania | 57,626 |
| Europe | Russia | 37,996 |
| Europe | Slovakia | 103 |
| Europe | Slovenia | 2,518 |
| Europe | Sweden | 355 |
| Europe | Ukraine | 13,207 |
| North America | Canada | 115,788 |
| North America | United States | 2,104,752 |
| Oceania | Australia | 1,107,410 |
| Oceania | Fiji | 30,405 |
| Oceania | New Zealand | 13,928 |
| South America | Peru | 1,300 |
Vietnam’s Tapioca Starch Imports
In 2021, Vietnam imported $45.7 million worth of tapioca starch, securing its position as the seventh-largest importer of tapioca starch globally. Tapioca starch ranked 903rd among the most imported products in Vietnam during the same year. Vietnam primarily sources its tapioca starch imports from Laos, accounting for the majority at $25.7 million, followed by Indonesia at $11.1 million, Thailand at $8.89 million, Singapore at $33,000, and Chinese Taipei at $28,500.
Vietnam witnessed remarkable growth in tapioca starch imports between 2020 and 2021, signaling the country’s expanding appetite for diverse tapioca starch sources and burgeoning trade relationships. Indonesia showcased the highest growth, with an increase of $9 million, followed by Thailand at $8.09 million, and Laos at $7.11 million. These figures reflect Vietnam’s commitment to diversifying its tapioca starch sources and strengthening trade partnerships with neighboring countries.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Asia | Indonesia | 11,113,046 |
| Asia | Laos | 25,667,042 |
| Asia | Singapore | 33,045 |
| Asia | Thailand | 8,889,363 |
| Asia | Chinese Taipei | 28,455 |
Tariff Landscape
As of 2018, Vietnam faced an average tariff rate of 18.6% on tapioca starch imports. Among the countries with the highest import tariffs for tapioca starch were Angola, Burundi, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Botswana, all imposing a 20% tariff under the Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment. These tariffs, albeit higher, have not hindered Vietnam’s position as a prominent importer of tapioca starch, with the country continuing to meet domestic demand through imports.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s remarkable performance in the tapioca starch market is evident through its thriving export industry, solidifying its position as the second-largest exporter globally. The country’s success in targeting key markets such as China, Pakistani, and Bangladesh showcases its ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and meet growing demand. Simultaneously, Vietnam’s tapioca starch imports from Laos, Indonesia, and Thailand demonstrate its commitment to diversifying sources and nurturing regional trade relationships. With a tariff landscape to navigate, Vietnam’s tapioca starch industry remains resilient, capitalizing on its strengths to maintain a leading role in the global market.
Source: BACI and General Statistics Office of Vietnam