Tapioca and starch substitutes market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the African market for tapioca and starch substitutes in volume terms showed a general upward trend, growing from 391.6 thousand tons to 415.4 thousand tons. This expansion occurred despite a noticeable contraction in 2020 when market volume fell to 375.9 thousand tons, before recovering and setting new highs in the following years. In value terms, the market experienced more volatility, declining sharply in 2019 to $237.5 million and not consistently recovering its 2018 level of $300.6 million by the end of the period, reaching $261.0 million in 2023.

A significant surge in import volumes, which more than tripled between 2020 and 2021, contributed to the market's recovery and subsequent growth in physical terms after the 2020 dip. Production volumes also followed a similar recovery path, stabilizing above 400 thousand tons from 2022 onward. The monetary value of the market did not always move in sync with volume, indicating shifts in product mix, pricing, or currency effects over the years.

In 2024, the sector saw consolidation with Bragan Ingredients joining the Solevo Group in South Africa, signaling ongoing investment in starch ingredients. This development aligns with broader consumer trends across key African markets like South Africa, where demand is rising for natural, gluten-free thickeners and sweeteners, supporting the use of tapioca starch in food and cosmetic applications.

Production tapioca and starch substitutes in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of tapioca and starch substitutes, 2017-2020

World map of production of tapioca and starch substitutes, 2017-2020

After two consecutive years of growth, Africa's production of tapioca and starch substitutes declined in 2020. The continent produced 378.9 thousand tonnes that year, marking a 7.5% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 409.6 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 4.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Africa's output of tapioca and starch substitutes was valued at 270.4 million US dollars, representing a 13.9% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 6.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 237.4 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 301.4 million US dollars. The most significant decline of 21.3% took place in 2019, whereas 2018 saw the largest increase of 18.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports tapioca and starch substitutes from Africa

Exports in kind, t

Africa's cross-border shipments of tapioca and starch substitutes increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. The continent exported 6 543 tonnes that year, up by 14.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 38.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the United States, and Belgium were the primary destinations for Africa's tapioca and starch substitutes exports in volume terms. France accounted for 41.8% of exports, the United States for 17.4%, and Belgium for 6.9%. Together, these three markets represented 66.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Africa's exports of tapioca and starch substitutes reached 4 669 thousand US dollars in value, reflecting a substantial 40.6% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 50.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.7%. The largest decline during this period occurred in 2019, with a drop of 9.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the United States, and Belgium collectively absorbed 62.6% of the total export value of tapioca and starch substitutes from Africa.

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

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

Imports tapioca and starch substitutes to Africa

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Africa imported 3 523 tonnes of tapioca and starch substitutes, which represents a 28.3% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports declined by 3.9%, with an annualized rate of 1.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 489 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 4 912 tonnes. The largest annual increase of 40.8% was also recorded in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand, China, and Turkey remained the main suppliers of tapioca and starch substitutes to Africa in volume terms. Thailand accounted for 41.6% of imports, China for 12.9%, and Turkey for 7.4%. Together, these three countries formed 61.9% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Africa's imports of tapioca and starch substitutes declined in 2020. The continent imported a total of {value_last_year} thousand US dollars worth of these products that year, down by 9.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 27.8%, with an annualized rate of 8.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 476 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 23.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand, China, and Turkey together accounted for 62.3% of the total import value of tapioca and starch substitutes to Africa.

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

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