Cassava market in Oceania

Earlier Report Observations

The cassava market in Oceania expanded from 253 thousand tons in 2018, supported by urbanization and rising incomes in producing countries, which boosted demand for conveniently packaged fresh roots. Simultaneously, industrial applications for animal feed and starch grew due to government initiatives and technological advancements across the Asia-Pacific region, driving production and market volume upward.

After a brief stabilization in 2020 linked to climate-related production risks, the market rebounded strongly from 2021. Sustained government and private investment in value-chain efficiency, coupled with consumer trends favoring gluten-free and health-oriented cassava products, fueled innovation and output. The adoption of advanced processing technologies, such as flash drying, further increased capacity and supported market growth.

By 2022, the introduction of new product forms like frozen, chilled, and dried roots targeted export and convenience segments, diversifying the market. This momentum continued into 2023, with market volume reaching 305 thousand tons, reflecting sustained expansion driven by product diversification and improved access to international markets through enhanced quality standards.

Production cassava in Oceania

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cassava, 2017-2020

World map of production of cassava, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, cassava production in Oceania declined. In 2020, the region produced 254.4 thousand tons of cassava, marking a slight decrease of 1.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 2.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 257.6 thousand tons, with the largest year-on-year increase occurring in 2018 at 2.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Oceania in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports cassava from Oceania

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with the peak being 2.7 times higher than the trough. In 2020, Oceania exported 993 tons of cassava, which represents an 86.2% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 32.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 116.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Oceania in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the primary destination for cassava exports from Oceania, accounting for 10.4% of total exports in volume terms.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Oceania in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Foreign cassava supplies from Oceania increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 1,573 thousand US dollars, up by 12.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 28.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 974 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 20.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 43.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Oceania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Canada consistently accounted for the largest share of cassava exports from Oceania in value terms, representing 12.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Oceania in value, 2017-2020

Imports cassava to Oceania

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Import volumes fell to their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with the peak being 2.1 times higher than the trough. In 2020, Oceania imported 1,344 tons of cassava, showing a sharp increase of 41.0% from the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 1,489 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 36.0%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 111.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Oceania in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, there was no single dominant market for cassava imports into Oceania. Vietnam (18.5% of imports in volume terms), India (8.5%), and Costa Rica (3.9%) together accounted for only 31.0% of total imports, with many smaller partners each holding modest individual shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Oceania in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Import values reached their low in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with the peak being 1.8 times higher than the low. In 2020, Oceania imported 3,235 thousand US dollars worth of cassava, representing a substantial drop of 16.3% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2,205 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 3,867 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 75.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Oceania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for imports in value terms was diverse. Vietnam (22.2% of imports in value terms), Indonesia (13.2%), and India (9.7%) together formed only 45.1% of total flows, with a significant 54.9% coming from many other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Oceania in value, 2017-2020