Tapioca shipments to keep rising amid high demand
Thai exports of tapioca products are expected to continue growing this year, boosted by global demand as importers seek alternatives for maize, which has become costly because of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
According to Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, the ministry expects outbound shipments of all types of tapioca products to top 11 million tonnes this year, compared with 10.4 million tonnes in 2021,with an export value of 130 billion baht (about US$4.2 billion), up 6% from a year earlier.
In 2021, Thailand shipped 123 billion baht worth of tapioca products, up 48% year-on-year, while the 10.4 million tonnes were a 45% uptick from 2020. Nearly 70% of the exports went to China, with other destinations comprising Japan, Indonesia and South Korea.
Thailand's domestic production still lags domestic demand, with the production of fresh cassava roots totalling 35 million tonnes, compared with demand for 42 million tonnes.