Comprehensive Analysis Report 2026

Vietnam Cassava Starch Market

A decade-long price fluctuation analysis (2016-2026) and strategic positioning of the import-export balance.

1. Price Fluctuation Cycle (2016 - Early 2026)

FOB HCMC Price
2016 - 2019: Stability Period

Abundant domestic supply kept prices relatively low ($350 - $410/Ton). Farmers continuously expanded planting areas.

2020 - 2024: Shock & Historic Peak

Pandemic logistics disruptions, followed by mosaic disease and El Nino, severely reduced yields. Prices hit historic peaks (~$590/Ton).

2025 - 2026: Re-establishing Baseline

Slower demand from China pushed prices back to ($415 - $425/Ton). Vietnam leverages cheap materials to boost global competitiveness.

2. Vietnam's Import-Export Balance (2026)

EXPORT

Billion-Dollar Engine

Firmly holding the position as the world's 2nd largest cassava exporter, contributing ~$1.3 billion/year.

Main Consumption Markets

China 91%
Taiwan (~3%) Philippines (~2%) South Korea (~1%)

Product Structure Characteristics

Nearly 90% relies on native starch and cassava chips. The proportion of modified starch is still low compared to Thailand, providing significant room to increase profit margins in the future.

IMPORT

Bridging the Supply Gap

A surging trend in raw material imports to solve the domestic shortage of fresh cassava roots.

Raw Material Supply Sources

Cambodia
Main source of fresh roots
Laos
Supplementary chips/roots
  • Domestic Supply Shortage Cassava mosaic disease and land competition with durian and fruit trees leave Vietnam's production insufficient to meet factory capacity.
  • Leveraging Price Gaps (Early 2026) Thailand's tightened barriers caused Cambodian cassava to flood into Vietnam. Vietnamese factories secure cheap raw materials, creating an absolute competitive advantage in export pricing.