Tapioca and starch substitutes market in Ghana

Earlier Report Observations

The market for tapioca and starch substitutes in Ghana contracted slightly from 13.8 thousand t in 2018 to 12.8 thousand t in 2020. This was followed by a dramatic expansion in 2021, when market volume jumped to 19.1 thousand t, an increase of over 49%. The market then stabilized at this higher level, fluctuating between 18.4 and 19.2 thousand t through 2023.

The surge in market volume from 2021 onward coincided with a period of rising consumer demand for gluten-free and clean-label food ingredients, which bolstered consumption of tapioca-based products. Concurrently, significant investments began flowing into the sector, including public-private partnerships aimed at enhancing domestic cassava-to-starch conversion capabilities, which supported increased production and market supply.

By 2024, the market framework was further strengthened by substantial industrial investments, with Ghana capturing a notable share of global funding for new processing facilities and research. Favorable policies allowing full foreign ownership facilitated continued investment, while stable export prices and the emergence of new applications, such as biodegradable packaging, contributed to the sector's development.

Production tapioca and starch substitutes in Ghana

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Ghana ranked 10th globally in the production of tapioca and starch substitutes.

Top producers of tapioca and starch substitutes, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Ghana produced 12 806 tonnes of tapioca and starch substitutes, marking a gradual increase of 3.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 13 333 tonnes, with the largest increase of 9.4% occurring that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the most significant decline of 7.0%.

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

Exports tapioca and starch substitutes from Ghana

Exports in kind, t

The export market for tapioca and starch substitutes from Ghana showed considerable volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 1.7 tonnes, with the largest decline of 66.7% recorded that year. In 2020, exports surged to 273.3 tonnes, representing a year-over-year increase of 16 282.5%. This resulted in a 164-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom and the United States were the dominant partners in Ghana's exports of tapioca and starch substitutes in volume terms, while other countries collectively accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms displayed an unstable trend over these years. Exports bottomed out in 2019 at 0.3 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 87.4% occurring that year. In 2020, exports peaked at 215.0 thousand US dollars, showing a dramatic year-over-year increase of 76 090.5%. This created a 762-fold difference between the high in 2020 and the low in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom and the United States played leading roles in Ghana's exports of tapioca and starch substitutes in value terms, together accounting for 95.5% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other destinations.

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

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

Imports tapioca and starch substitutes to Ghana

Imports in kind, t

The import market for tapioca and starch substitutes into Ghana exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports peaked in 2019 at 844.5 tonnes, with the largest increase of 85.6% recorded that year. In 2020, imports fell to 246.7 tonnes, a decrease of 70.8% year-over-year. This resulted in a 3.4-fold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2020.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Thailand was the clear leader in Ghana's imports of tapioca and starch substitutes in volume terms, holding 77.9% of total flows. Other countries each had significantly smaller shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year increase, imports of tapioca and starch substitutes into Ghana declined. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 530.7 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 23.9% occurring that year. In 2020, imports dropped to 277.6 thousand US dollars, a sharp decrease of 47.7% compared to 2019. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 23.6%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of -8.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand and China concentrated most of Ghana's imports of tapioca and starch substitutes in value terms, while other markets were individually less significant.

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

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