Flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers market in South-eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for flour and powder of sago, roots or tubers in Southeast Asia showed initial growth followed by stabilization. Production increased from 1 211 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 270 thousand tons in 2019, supported by Thailand's role as a major exporter, which indicated strong regional production capacity. In 2020, production remained nearly unchanged at 1 268 thousand tons, with market volume showing only a minor adjustment.

The market contracted in 2021, with production falling to 1 096 thousand tons and market volume dropping to 1 020 thousand tons. This period was marked by a significant rise in exports from key countries like Thailand, China, and Indonesia, reflecting increased external sales and the entry of new players into export markets, which diverted supply from domestic consumption. Recovery followed in 2022 as production rebounded to 1 259 thousand tons, driven by the expansion of production facilities and a 20.1% surge in global exports, reinforcing the region's export-oriented growth.

In 2023, production declined to 1 164 thousand tons, while the market volume settled at 1 146 thousand tons. The underlying market structure continues to be shaped by Indonesia and Malaysia's dominance as primary producers due to abundant sago palm plantations, and by the rising consumer preference for plant-based diets, which stimulates demand for sago starch products. Increased export flows from Indonesia to markets like South Korea further indicate ongoing market access expansion.

Production flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers in South-eastern Asia

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

After two consecutive years of growth, production of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers in South-eastern Asia declined. In 2020, output remained nearly unchanged at 1 268 thousand tonnes, compared to 1 270 thousand tonnes in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019, with the largest year-on-year increase of 4.9% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers from South-eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers from South-eastern Asia grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 56.3 thousand tonnes, marking a significant increase of 52.7% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 127.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 31.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, South Korea, and Japan were the leading buyers of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers from South-eastern Asia, though their dominance was not overwhelming. China accounted for 12.8% of exports in kind, South Korea for 9.8%, and Japan for 2.1%. Together, these three countries represented 24.8% of total exports, with the remainder distributed among numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market performance showed notable fluctuations during this period. Exports in value terms peaked in 2018 at 56 273 thousand US dollars, then dropped to their lowest point in 2019 at 13 277 thousand US dollars—a swing of 4.2 times between these two years. In 2020, deliveries rebounded sharply to 39 904 thousand US dollars, representing a steep increase of 200.6% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 76.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea, China, and the United States were significant buyers of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers from South-eastern Asia in value terms. South Korea accounted for 17.8% of exports, China for 6.7%, and the United States for 4.1%. However, their combined share reached only 28.5% of total exports, while the remaining 71.5% was spread across a wide array of other partners.

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

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

Imports flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers to South-eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, imports of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers into South-eastern Asia declined. In 2020, imports fell to 1.8 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 54.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports dropped by 51.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -21.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 3.9 thousand tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 5.2% occurring in 2018.

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

During 2017-2020, China and Asia, not elsewhere specified, were the two main sources for imports in kind. China accounted for 3.6% of total flows, while Asia, not elsewhere specified, contributed 0.7%. Together, they represented 4.4% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, South-eastern Asia imported a total of 11 583 thousand US dollars worth of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers, which was a gain of 26.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 36%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a drop of 13.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Asia not elsewhere specified, and the Netherlands formed the largest group of suppliers of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers to South-eastern Asia in value terms. China accounted for 17.2% of imports, Asia not elsewhere specified for 4.2%, and the Netherlands for 1.6%. Their combined contribution was limited to 23.0% of total imports, indicating a diversified supplier structure across many countries.

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

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