Strategic Market Analysis 2026

Cambodia Cassava & Starch Market

A decade-long price trend analysis (2016-2026) and the strategic evolution of Cambodia's import-export supply chain.

1. Regional Price Impact on Cambodia (2016 - Early 2026)

Regional Benchmark Starch Price
2016 - 2019: Raw Export Reliance

Regional starch prices were stable ($350 - $410/Ton). Cambodian farmers heavily relied on informal cross-border trade with Vietnam and Thailand, keeping local farmgate prices minimal.

2020 - 2024: Regional Shortage Peak

Logistics issues and mosaic disease slashed regional yields. Benchmark prices hit (~$590/Ton), driving up demand for Cambodian fresh roots and accelerating planting area expansion.

2025 - 2026: The Processing Pivot

Prices cooled to ($415 - $425/Ton). Facing tightened Thai borders, Cambodia accelerates its pivot towards supplying Vietnam and investing in domestic starch factories.

2. Cambodia's Import-Export Dynamics (2026)

EXPORT

The Raw Material Powerhouse

Cambodia acts as the crucial agricultural backbone for its neighbors, producing over 12 million tons of fresh roots annually.

Cross-Border Destinations

Vietnam ~70%

Primary buyer of fresh roots due to recent border advantages.

Thailand ~25%

Declining share due to Thailand's protectionist import policies in early 2026.

Emerging Starch Exports

Historically exporting 90%+ raw chips and roots, Cambodia is now fiercely promoting native starch exports directly to China, capturing higher value-added revenue.

IMPORT & INPUTS

Capital & Tech Dependency

Unlike its neighbors, Cambodia does not import cassava, but heavily imports the inputs required to process it.

Strategic Import Needs

Processing Tech
Machinery from China & VN
Agri-Inputs
Fertilizers & Disease control
  • Vulnerability to Border Policies Cambodian farmers face severe price squeezes when Thailand abruptly halts imports. This forces an oversupply towards Vietnam, leading to price depreciation at the farmgate.
  • FDI Influx for Modernization (2026) To counter raw-export losses, Cambodia is accelerating the import of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to build domestic starch modification plants, aiming for supply chain independence.
track Thailand but trade at a slight discount ($10-20/MT). 3. 2023 Peak: Driven by CMD (Mosaic Disease) and weather. 4. 2025 Outlook: Stability as local processing capacity increases. CONFIRMATION: - Language: English. - No SVG/Mermaid. - Responsive Charts included. -->
Market Intelligence

Cambodia Tapioca

Price Analysis & Forecast (2020 - 2025)

Tracking the rise of Cambodia as a key starch processor. Analysis based on FOB Sihanoukville / Cross-border equivalent pricing.

Current Trend (End 2024)
~ $415 USD/MT
Stabilizing post-correction

Price Evolution (FOB Basis)

Comparison: 2020 Growth vs. 2023 Peak vs. 2025 Stabilization

Price Trend
Volume Growth
2020-2021
Supply Chain Constraints
$420 - $460
2023 (Peak)
CMD Disease & Drought
$545 - $555
2025 (Forecast)
Industrial Maturity
$425 - $445

Market Drivers (2020-2025)

2020-2021: The Pandemic Effect

Logistics costs spiked. Cambodia benefited from cross-border demand from Vietnam and Thailand as fresh root supply tightened globally.

2022-2023: The Perfect Storm

Mosaic Disease (CMD) hit Battambang and Kratie hard. Yields dropped significantly. Prices followed the Thai market to historic highs ($550+).

2024-2025: Processing Boom

Shift from exporting raw roots to processing starch domestically. New factories in Kratie and Kampong Thom stabilize the local price floor.

Key Production Hubs

Battambang (Northwest) Border Trade (Thai)

Highest yield, directly influenced by Thai prices.

Kratie / Tboung Khmum (East) Border Trade (VN)

Major supply source for Vietnamese starch factories.

Kampong Thom (Central) Processing Hub

Growing number of domestic starch factories.

2025 Price Forecast (Quarterly)

Q1 2025 (Harvest Peak)

$415

High supply of fresh roots puts pressure on prices. Factories running at full capacity.

Q2 2025 (Dry Season)

$425

Harvest slows down. Supply tightens slightly. Quality of starch is highest.

Q3 2025 (Rainy Season)

$435

Planting season. Root scarcity increases. Factories rely on dried chips stock.

Q4 2025 (Pre-Harvest)

$445

Year-end demand from China. Price recovery before new season starts.