Cassava starch market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The cassava starch market in Southern Asia began at 59 921 t in 2018, supported by the launch of Sava Flour in Thailand, a gluten-free product aligned with natural ingredient standards, and strong agricultural output in Nigeria boosting regional activity. Market volume then dipped to 50 758 t in 2019 before rebounding sharply to 70 820 t in 2020.

Growth continued into 2021, with the market reaching 81 218 t. This expansion was driven by increased investments in research and development to improve crop resilience and sustainable farming practices, which strengthened the supply chain and starch quality. Strategic alliances with local farmers further ensured stable raw material availability.

Market volume declined to 73 457 t in 2022 and 71 646 t in 2023. The drop was primarily due to a contraction in cassava production in Thailand by 11.2% caused by droughts and pests linked to El Niño, tightening regional supply. Concurrently, underlying demand was shaped by a growing preference for gluten-free, natural products and plant-based diets. By 2024, imports rose to 17 110 t, reflecting sustained need alongside the introduction of certified organic products like 'Tasuko' in Thailand and significant capacity investments in Vietnam's processing sector.

Production cassava starch in Southern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cassava starch, 2017-2020

World map of production of cassava starch, 2017-2020

Southern Asia's cassava starch production has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 57 458 tons of cassava starch, representing a 21.8% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 45.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 13.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports cassava starch from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, t

The export market showed significant volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at just 1 ton, then surged dramatically in 2019 with an 11 803.5% increase. In 2020, Southern Asia exported 224 tons of cassava starch, marking a substantial 42.3% year-over-year rise. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, when exports fell by 99.5%. Overall, exports varied by 208 times between their peak in 2017 and their trough in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Southern Asia's cassava starch exports were heavily concentrated, with the United Arab Emirates accounting for 82.1% of total export volumes. Other trading partners made up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values displayed irregular fluctuations, reflecting a volatile market environment. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 000 US dollars, followed by a dramatic 4 947.6% increase in 2019. In 2020, Southern Asia exported 70 000 US dollars worth of cassava starch, showing a sharp 28.0% rise from the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, with a 99.3% drop. Overall, export values varied by 139 times between their peak in 2017 and their trough in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates was the primary destination for Southern Asia's cassava starch exports in value terms, representing 71.5% of total export flows. Other markets accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Imports cassava starch to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes followed an unstable trend throughout the period. The lowest point was in 2019, with 3 735 tons, which represented a 71.2% decline from the previous year. In 2020, Southern Asia imported 13 585 tons of cassava starch, showing a remarkable 263.7% year-over-year increase. Overall, import volumes varied by 4.9 times between their peak in 2017 and their trough in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand was the dominant supplier of cassava starch to Southern Asia, accounting for 83.5% of total import volumes. Other countries shared the remaining portion.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values exhibited considerable volatility during these years. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 870 000 US dollars, reflecting a 73.5% decline from the previous year. In 2020, Southern Asia imported approximately 6 393 000 US dollars worth of cassava starch, marking a sharp 241.8% increase compared to 2019. Overall, import values showed a 4.8-fold difference between their peak in 2017 and their trough in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Thailand was the main source of cassava starch imports to Southern Asia in value terms, accounting for 82.7% of total import flows. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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

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