Flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the ASEAN market for sago flour expanded from 1 180 thousand tons to 1 234 thousand tons. This growth was propelled by Indonesian government regulations promoting sago as a national food commodity, the entry of new small and medium enterprises in the Philippines, and shifting consumer preferences toward gluten-free and local ingredient alternatives. Product innovations, including sago-based rice analogs and fortified noodles, further stimulated demand.

The market eased to 1 210 thousand tons in 2020 as COVID-19 pandemic restrictions disrupted trade flows and increased exports. A sharp contraction followed in 2021, with volume falling to 1 018 thousand tons. By 2022, the market recovered to 1 188 thousand tons, driven by rising sustainability trends, investments in modern production capacity, and global wheat price surges that made sago flour a more attractive substitute.

In 2023, market volume adjusted downward to 1 143 thousand tons.

Production flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers, 2017-2020

World map of production of flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers, 2017-2020

ASEAN's production of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers saw a two-year improvement before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 1,267 thousand tonnes, showing a 4.9% increase from the previous year. However, in 2020, production remained relatively stable at 1,265 thousand tonnes, with no significant change compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 5.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.8%.

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

Exports flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers from ASEAN

Exports in kind, K t

Flour or powder of sago, roots, or tubers exports from ASEAN have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 56.4 thousand tonnes, marking a dramatic rise of 52.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 127.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 31.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers from ASEAN were relatively evenly distributed. The top three destinations—China (12.8% of exports), South Korea (9.8%), and Japan (2.1%)—together accounted for only 24.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market for flour or powder of sago, roots, or tubers from ASEAN showed volatility during the observed period. In 2018, exports peaked at 56,273 thousand US dollars, but in 2019, they dropped to a low of 13,277 thousand US dollars, representing a 76.4% decline. By 2020, exports rebounded sharply to 39,904 thousand US dollars, a 200.6% increase year-over-year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers from ASEAN were spread across numerous markets. The leading destinations—South Korea (17.8% of exports), China (6.7%), and the United States (4.1%)—collectively made up only 28.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers to ASEAN

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, ASEAN's imports of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers declined. In 2019, imports hit a high of 3.9 thousand tonnes, with an increase of 4.9% in 2018. However, by 2020, imports fell to approximately 1.8 thousand tonnes, a 54.7% decrease compared to 2019. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports dropped by 51.7%, with an average annual decline of 21.5%.

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

During 2017–2020, China and Asia, not elsewhere specified, were the largest sources for imports of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers into ASEAN, together accounting for 4.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, ASEAN's imports of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers totaled 11,559 thousand US dollars, showing a sudden uptick of 26.4% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 35.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 13.9%.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 indicate that imports in value terms of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers into ASEAN were not heavily concentrated. The top sources—China (17.3% of imports), Asia, not elsewhere specified (4.2%), and the Netherlands (1.6%)—jointly accounted for only 23.1% of total import flows.

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

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