Tapioca and starch substitutes market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for tapioca and starch substitutes in China grew from 15 503 t in 2018 to a peak of 18 311 t in 2021, supported by a steady increase in domestic production and a significant rise in imports. Production expanded from 14 401 t to 14 723 t over these years, while import volumes more than doubled from 8 305 t to 14 716 t. Export growth was noticeable but did not offset the overall expansion, resulting in a larger domestic market.

A sharp reversal occurred from 2022, with market volume falling to 14 554 t and then plunging to 6 760 t in 2023. Industry analysis from that period points to high soybean meal protein prices, which increased the value of starch by-products for processors but simultaneously placed downward pressure on pure starch prices due to persistently weak demand. This profit structure shift, coupled with ongoing soft consumption, directly contributed to the market's contraction. Broader industry development, guided by updated standards, environmental policies, and trade regulations, continued to shape the sector's modernization during this phase.

Concurrently, the industry demonstrated significant activity aimed at future resilience. The 2024 Shanghai International Starch Expo gathered nearly 1 800 exhibitors, highlighting innovation across starch derivatives and applications. Companies actively developed a diverse range of specialized starch products for sectors like feed, paper, and food, driving product line refinement and technological upgrades to meet specific downstream needs.

Production tapioca and starch substitutes in China

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Globally, China ranked as the 8th largest producer of tapioca and starch substitutes from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of tapioca and starch substitutes, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, China produced 14,492 tonnes of tapioca and starch substitutes, marking a slight increase of 1.6% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 0.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

China's production of tapioca and starch substitutes grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 26,803 thousand US dollars, representing a 4.4% rise from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 42.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 12.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports tapioca and starch substitutes from China

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, China exported 8,733 tonnes of tapioca and starch substitutes, showing a moderate decrease of 8.1% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 9.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 7,204 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 9,506 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 9.6% drop, and the largest increase was in 2019 with a 32.0% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China supplied tapioca and starch substitutes to a wide range of markets. The United Kingdom accounted for 20.9% of exports in volume, the United States for 11.3%, and Japan for 5.4%. Together, these three countries made up only 37.6% of total exports, with many smaller destinations comprising the remaining 62.4%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 10,059 thousand US dollars and peaked in 2019 at 17,108 thousand US dollars, with a 1.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports from China amounted to 16,152 thousand US dollars, down by 5.6% year-on-year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a 70.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China's tapioca and starch substitutes were exported to a diverse set of markets. The United Kingdom accounted for 15.7% of exports in value, the United States for 15.6%, and Japan for 14.4%. Combined, these three markets represented only 45.7% of total exports, with numerous smaller destinations making up the remaining 54.3%.

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

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

Imports tapioca and starch substitutes to China

Imports in kind, t

China's imports of tapioca and starch substitutes increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 11,734 tonnes, reflecting a robust growth of 13.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 78.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 21.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Thailand dominated China's imports of tapioca and starch substitutes in volume, holding a 90.4% share of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

China's imports of tapioca and starch substitutes grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 10,440 thousand US dollars, showing little change from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 104.5%, which corresponds to an annualized growth rate of 26.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China's imports in value terms were heavily concentrated on Thailand, which accounted for 83.9% of total imports. Other trading partners made up the remainder.

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

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