Analyzing a decade of price trends (2016-2026) and the massive industrial appetite that dictates the global supply chain.
Import prices were stable around ($360 - $420/Ton). China steadily increased imports to fuel its booming e-commerce packaging (paper board) and modified starch sectors without straining ASEAN supply.
High domestic corn prices forced Chinese buyers to aggressively substitute corn with cassava. Combined with ASEAN harvest drops, China's massive buying power spiked global prices to (~$610/Ton).
As Chinese domestic corn prices drop, local factories switch back to corn. This massive drop in Chinese cassava demand forced a global market correction, bringing CIF prices down to ($430 - $440/Ton).
China accounts for over 50% of global cassava starch imports, acting as the ultimate price-setter for Southeast Asia.
Preferred for high-grade and modified industrial starches.
Highly competitive cross-border and sea-freight volume supplier.
Rapidly growing due to the Laos-China high-speed railway.
China's imports are deeply tied to domestic corn prices. Cassava is a direct substitute for corn in producing sweeteners, ethanol, and paper. When Chinese corn yields are high and prices drop (as seen in late 2025/early 2026), cassava imports immediately plummet.
China consumes almost 100% of the raw starch it imports. It only exports highly processed, high-tech secondary products.