World Leading Tapioca Starch Exporters

Tapioca starch, derived from the versatile manioc (cassava) plant, has become a highly sought-after global commodity. In 2021, several countries emerged as dominant exporters in this thriving market. Let’s explore the top five tapioca starch exporters in the world and delve into their remarkable export performances.

Thailand: The Reigning Champion

Thailand secured its position as the undisputed leader in tapioca starch exports in 2021, with a staggering $1.64 billion worth of exports. Tapioca starch ranked as the 30th most exported product from Thailand, underscoring its significance within the country’s export portfolio. The primary destination for Thailand’s tapioca starch exports was China, accounting for a substantial share of $1.17 billion. Other notable importers included Chinese Taipei, Japan, the United States, and Malaysia.

Between 2020 and 2021, Thailand experienced exceptional growth in its tapioca starch export markets. Notably, China exhibited an impressive increase of $462 million in imports, solidifying its position as the primary destination for Thai tapioca starch. Chinese Taipei and Japan also recorded substantial growth, with imports rising by $27.6 million and $12.9 million, respectively.

Vietnam: An Emerging Global Player

Vietnam demonstrated its prowess as a major player in the tapioca starch export market, claiming the second spot in 2021 with exports valued at $945 million. Tapioca starch ranked 57th in Vietnam’s overall export volume, highlighting its significance within the country’s trade landscape. China stood as the primary destination for Vietnam’s tapioca starch exports, accounting for a substantial $913 million. Chinese Taipei, the Philippines, Pakistan, and the United States also featured prominently among Vietnam’s export destinations.

Vietnam experienced remarkable growth in its tapioca starch exports between 2020 and 2021. China’s increase in imports amounted to a staggering $95 million, signaling a growing demand for Vietnamese tapioca starch. Pakistan and Bangladesh also demonstrated notable growth, with imports rising by $1.76 million and $1.09 million, respectively.

Indonesia: A Rising Exporter

Indonesia emerged as a notable tapioca starch exporter, securing the third position in 2021 with exports valued at $122 million. China represented the primary destination for Indonesia’s tapioca starch exports, importing an impressive $95.8 million worth. Chinese Taipei and Vietnam also accounted for significant shares, with imports valued at $11.2 million and $11.1 million, respectively. Malaysia and the United States featured prominently among Indonesia’s export destinations.

Between 2020 and 2021, Indonesia experienced robust growth in its tapioca starch exports. China’s increase in imports led the way, with an astonishing $82.9 million surge. Vietnam and the United States also contributed significantly to this growth, recording increments of $9 million and $1.05 million, respectively.

Laos: Making a Mark on the Global Stage

Laos emerged as a formidable player in the tapioca starch export market, claiming the fourth position in 2021 with exports totaling $52.7 million. Within Laos, tapioca starch held the notable rank of the 31st most exported product, underscoring its significance in the country’s export landscape. Vietnam stood as the primary destination for Laos’ tapioca starch exports, importing a substantial amount valued at $25.7 million. China followed closely with imports amounting to $24.2 million, while Chinese Taipei and Thailand also imported notable quantities.

Laos experienced remarkable growth in its tapioca starch exports between 2020 and 2021. China’s surge in imports was particularly remarkable, with an additional $18 million worth of tapioca starch. Vietnam and Chinese Taipei also contributed to this growth, with imports increasing by $7.11 million and $572,000, respectively.

Brazil: An Evolving Exporter

Brazil showcased its presence in the global tapioca starch export market, securing the fifth position in 2021 with exports valued at $26.4 million. The United States emerged as the primary destination for Brazil’s tapioca starch exports, with imports totaling an impressive $12.1 million. Paraguay and South Africa followed closely, importing $2.74 million and $2.09 million worth of tapioca starch, respectively. Spain and the Netherlands also featured prominently among Brazil’s export destinations.

Brazil experienced substantial growth in its tapioca starch exports between 2020 and 2021. The United States spearheaded this growth, with imports increasing by an impressive $7.88 million. Paraguay and South Africa also demonstrated remarkable growth during this period, recording increments of $2.55 million and $1.71 million, respectively.

These top five tapioca starch exporters have made significant strides in the global market, capitalizing on the increasing demand for this versatile product. As the tapioca starch industry continues to evolve, these countries will likely play a crucial role in meeting global needs and shaping the future of this thriving market.

ContinentCountryThailandVietnamIndonesiaLaosBrazil
AfricaAngola1,0202,884
AfricaCentral African Republic820
AfricaAlgeria612,864240,841163,070
AfricaGhana325,727
AfricaKenya46,523
AfricaLiberia15
AfricaMorocco385
AfricaMadagascar272227,792
AfricaMozambique741,23185,997
AfricaMauritania71,396
AfricaMauritius475,663
AfricaNigeria2,7289,894
AfricaRwanda44
AfricaSenegal854,858438,50024,000
AfricaTanzania36,062
AfricaSouth Africa3,441,630818,1482,094,056
AfricaZimbabwe16,432
AsiaUnited Arab Emirates147,86785,1651006,898
AsiaArmenia719,601
AsiaBangladesh5,082,5451,278,032
AsiaBahrain2,433
AsiaBrunei222,002
AsiaChina1,172,557,087912,553,70995,826,77424,195,57738,487
AsiaCyprus1,268
AsiaHong Kong3,607,15912,9605,196479
AsiaIndonesia24,985,573
AsiaIndia83,18991,94318,728
AsiaIran93,407
AsiaIsrael1,711,79425,571
AsiaJordan2,270
AsiaJapan61,423,552337,3771009,563
AsiaCambodia34,422348,478
AsiaSouth Korea4,958,7091,253,9293,042
AsiaKuwait274,153
AsiaLaos2,374,279628
AsiaLebanon154,56952,902
AsiaSri Lanka596,84518,881237,17622,092
AsiaMacau19,9822,470
AsiaBurma2,248,472
AsiaMongolia32,123
AsiaMalaysia45,776,2501,419,5301,790,4874,196
AsiaOman805,356
AsiaPakistan973,2392,428,010
AsiaPhilippines42,461,2323,179,4371,011,902
AsiaQatar164,940
AsiaSaudi Arabia165,351
AsiaSingapore25,414,1831,414,335197,46665,978
AsiaTurkey82,26689,713
AsiaVietnam8,889,36311,113,04625,667,042
AsiaThailand7,3881,360,52484,551
AsiaTimor-Leste5,022
AsiaChinese Taipei122,761,03314,195,21011,159,3361,495,380
EuropeAustria62,86817
EuropeBelgium3,182,58059,676170,410
EuropeBulgaria1,8461,942
EuropeBelarus92,499
EuropeSwitzerland717,9245,38123,688
EuropeCzechia111,4634,4021,508
EuropeGermany5,233,2955,48356,965
EuropeDenmark4,21612
EuropeSpain523,605196,4281,563,386
EuropeFinland273,7979,29515,183
EuropeFrance3,016,60690,31798,367
EuropeUnited Kingdom4,957,43078,838446,398
EuropeGreece684,212
EuropeCroatia8,765
EuropeHungary12,34323,177
EuropeIreland351,59717,513
EuropeIceland458504
EuropeItaly952,10133,846
EuropeLatvia5,126
EuropeLithuania64,220
EuropeLuxembourg7,626
EuropeMoldova522
EuropeMalta481
EuropeMontenegro103
EuropeNetherlands9,387,730208,6241,261,089
EuropeNorway628,8741,272
EuropePoland261,349465,776859
EuropePortugal49959,016
EuropeRomania57,626
EuropeRussia690,55337,99633,539
EuropeSerbia3,316177
EuropeSlovakia1032,143
EuropeSlovenia2,9222,518
EuropeSweden1,512,299355616
EuropeUkraine17,63413,207297
North AmericaBahamas13
North AmericaCanada6,043,792115,78863430,520
North AmericaCosta Rica16,462
North AmericaCuraçao479
North AmericaDominican Republic199,44477,670
North AmericaGuatemala32,343
North AmericaHonduras731
North AmericaMexico449,992212,630
North AmericaPanama57,04878,382
North AmericaEl Salvador11,4664,429
North AmericaTrinidad and Tobago24,589
North AmericaUnited States60,399,5842,104,7521,051,51712,052,727
OceaniaAustralia8,036,4311,107,4102,99710,192
OceaniaCook Islands4,305
OceaniaFiji346,89030,405
OceaniaGuam2,495
OceaniaMarshall Islands44
OceaniaNorthern Mariana Islands3,769
OceaniaNew Caledonia51,910
OceaniaNew Zealand1,073,82513,92862,520977
OceaniaPapua New Guinea189,496
OceaniaFrench Polynesia134,876
OceaniaSamoa35,082
South AmericaArgentina298,784
South AmericaBolivia24,8531,247,350
South AmericaBrazil182
South AmericaChile32,629432,093
South AmericaColombia3,076681,712
South AmericaEcuador 131,575
South AmericaGuyana12,885
South AmericaPeru117,5391,30057,046
South AmericaParaguay2,741,702
South AmericaSuriname33,46518,202
South AmericaUruguay 177,863
South AmericaVenezuela364,838
Table: Where Do Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos and Brazil Export Their Tapioca Starch (2021)

Data from BACI and General Statistics Office of Vietnam