• Analysis and Studies
• Tapioca: import and export

Tapioca is a starch derived from the root of the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta), a native plant of South America.

In culinary use, tapioca is celebrated for its versatility and textural qualities: the pearls are most commonly associated with tapioca pudding and bubble tea, the flour is used to make flatbreads or added to soups and sauces as a thickening agent, and it is also utilized in gluten-free baking. While rich in carbohydrates, tapioca is low in nutrients, so it is often combined with other nutrient-dense ingredients to enhance its health value.

Beyond food, tapioca starch is also used in industries like textiles and biodegradable packaging, thanks to its versatile and eco-friendly properties. Its wide range of applications makes it an important global agricultural product.

In 2022, tapioca was the world's 1136th most traded product, with a total trade of $220M, and between 2021 and 2022 the exports grew by 1.87%, from $216M to $220M.

In 2022 county which exported tapioca the most was Chinese Taipei, with a trade of $101M, ahead of Thailand ($38.7M), China ($20.8M), India ($10.5M), and Netherlands ($6.01M). Whereas the most significant importer was the United States, with a trade of $62M, followed by Canada ($12.4M), South Korea ($11.4M), China ($10.3M), and Malaysia ($8.91M).

This graphic shows Chinese Taipei emerging as the largest exporter, with nearly half its exports going to the United States, underscoring strong trade links. Thailand primarily exports to China and regional partners, while China’s exports are more globally spread, reflecting its growing influence across continents, including Africa and Europe.

India’s exports are concentrated in Bangladesh, showing strong regional trade, whereas the Netherlands focuses on intra-European trade. These patterns reveal regional economic connections, China's expanding global trade footprint, and the significant roles both developed and developing markets play in agricultural exports.

1. Chinese Taipei (45.8%): 48.1% United States, 10.2% South Korea, 6.17% Canada, 4.53% Japan, 4.06% Malaysia, 3.76% Australia, 2.31% United Kingdom, 2.11% Indonesia, 2.09% Philippines, 1.9% Germany
2. Thailand (17.6%): 24.8% China, 8.27% United States, 7.38% Philippines, 6.4% Australia, 6.11% Bangladesh, 5.28% Pakistan, 4.78% Belgium, 4.4% Malaysia, 4.09% Canada, 2.61% France, 2% Netherlands, 1.73% South Korea
3. China (9.43%): 16.2% United States, 10.3% Netherlands, 8.72% Indonesia, 6.83% United Kingdom, 4.75% Senegal, 3.8% Australia, 3.7% Malaysia, 3.49% Nigeria, 3.3% Canada, 2.27% France, 2.09% Germany, 1.82% Philippines, 1.94% Ghana 
4. India (4.75%): 44.9% Bangladesh, 14.4% United States, 8.71% United Arab Emirates, 5.35% United Kingdom, 5.03% Sri Lanka, 3.42% Saudi Arabia, 3.99% Canada
5. Netherlands (2.73%): 31.2% Germany, 20.9% France, 6.96% Belgium, 5.58% Spain, 2.05% United Kingdom, 1.1% South Korea

 The graphic shows that the United States is the top importer, sourcing the majority of its tapioca from Chinese Taipei, which also supplies Canada significantly, though Canada also imports notably from the United States and Thailand.

South Korea's imports are dominated by Chinese Taipei, while China relies almost entirely on Thailand for its tapioca. Malaysia's imports are more balanced, coming from Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and Indonesia. These trends highlight the central role of Chinese Taipei and Thailand in global tapioca trade, as well as the influence of regional trade connections on import patterns.

1. United States (28.2%): 78.4% Chinese Taipei, 5.43% China, 5.16% Thailand, 2.44% Brazil, 2.43% India, 1.34% France, 0.77% Nigeria
2. Canada (5.62%): 50.3% Chinese Taipei, 22.9% United States, 12.8% Thailand, 5.53% China, 3.37% India, 1.09% Cote d’Ivoire
3. South Korea (5.2%): 89.9% Chinese Taipei, 5.84% Thailand, 2.24% China, 1.18% Indonesia
4. China (4.66%): 93.7% Thailand, 5.06% Chinese Taipei, 1.12% Hong Kong
5. Malaysia (4.04%): 46% Chinese Taipei, 19.1% Thailand, 13.2% Indonesia, 11.4% Burma, 8.61% China

 Between 2021 and 2022, the fastest growing exporter was Chinese Taipei, with an increase of $6.22M. followed by Denmark ($1.52M), United States ($1.42M), India ($1.3M), and Belgium ($947k).

1. Chinese Taipei: from $94.7M to $101M
2. Denmark: from $1.5M to $3.02M
3. United States: from $3.31M to $4.72M
4. India: from $9.16M to $10.5M
5. Belgium: from $1.47M to $2.41M

Whereas the country which had the fastest growth in imports was the United States, with an increase of $13.7M, ahead of Canada ($2.82M), Indonesia ($2.01M), Bangladesh ($1.18M), and Portugal ($896k).

1. United States: from $48.3M to $62M
2. Canada: from $9.56M to $12.4M
3. Indonesia: from $2.42M to $4.43M
4. Bangladesh: from $5.91M to $7.09M
5. Portugal: from $1.05M to $1.95M

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