Tapioca and starch substitutes market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Brazilian market volume for tapioca and starch substitutes fluctuated, reaching a high of 5 338 t in 2019 before declining to 4 028 t in 2023. This contraction was primarily driven by a sustained increase in exports, which surged by 42% in 2020 alone as overseas demand from countries like the United States and Spain grew robustly. The sector demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining export momentum despite global challenges.

Domestic market dynamics were influenced by shifting consumer preferences towards gluten-free and healthy foods, which supported tapioca consumption. Product innovation, including the launch of high-value-added items and convenient packaging such as resealable bags, alongside the expansion of segments like granulated tapioca, helped sustain interest. However, these factors were insufficient to offset the diversion of supply to the export market.

Production tapioca and starch substitutes in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Brazil was one of the world's leading producers of tapioca and starch substitutes from 2018 to 2021, ranking 13th globally by production volume.

Top producers of tapioca and starch substitutes, 2018-2021

World map of production of tapioca and starch substitutes, 2018-2021

In 2021, Brazil produced 7,780 tonnes of tapioca and starch substitutes, showing little change from the previous year. Production reached its lowest point in 2019 at 7,506 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2020 with 7,783 tonnes. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 1.6%, followed by the biggest increase in 2020 at 3.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two years of decline, Brazil's production of tapioca and starch substitutes rebounded in 2021, with output valued at 11,827 thousand US dollars, up 2.7% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 5%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of -1.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 11,520 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 4.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports tapioca and starch substitutes from Brazil

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Brazil's exports of tapioca and starch substitutes totaled 3,071 tonnes, marking a slight decline of 1.5% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 28.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 2,190 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 3,118 tonnes. The largest decline was in 2019 at 8.2%, followed by the biggest increase in 2020 at 42.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Mexico, and Portugal were the top buyers of Brazilian tapioca and starch substitutes by volume. The United States accounted for 30.9% of exports, Mexico for 19.8%, and Portugal for 12.5%, together making up 63.2% of total export volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Brazil's exports of tapioca and starch substitutes increased for the second consecutive year in 2021, totaling 4,669 thousand US dollars, up 1.2% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 20%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3,503 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 10.0%. The biggest increase occurred in 2020 at 31.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Spain, and Mexico were the primary buyers of Brazilian tapioca and starch substitutes by value. The United States accounted for 31.4% of export value, Spain for 17.1%, and Mexico for 15.5%, collectively representing 64.0% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021

Imports tapioca and starch substitutes to Brazil

Imports in kind, t

Brazil's imports of tapioca and starch substitutes showed volatility from 2018 to 2021, with import levels fluctuating 3.2 times between the low in 2018 and the high in 2021. In 2021, imports totaled 25 tonnes, a strong increase of 23.1% from 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 9.6%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2019 at 183.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Asia, not elsewhere specified, was the dominant supplier of tapioca and starch substitutes to Brazil, accounting for 87.7% of total import volume, with other countries making up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Brazil's imports of tapioca and starch substitutes increased for the third consecutive year in 2021, totaling 39 thousand US dollars, up 56.9% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports surged by 277.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 55.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Asia, not elsewhere specified, held the dominant position in Brazil's imports of tapioca and starch substitutes by value, accounting for 82.2% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among various smaller destinations.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021