Thailand Cassava Market Overview:
The Thailand cassava market plays a pivotal role in the country’s agricultural economy, with production estimated at ** million tonnes in 2023, making Thailand the world’s second-largest cassava producer after Nigeria. Cassava contributes significantly to Thailand’s agro-export revenues, with exports valued at approximately US$ ** billion in 2023, driven largely by starch and chips shipments to China, Vietnam, and the European Union. The domestic cassava processing industry is extensive, supplying raw materials to starch, ethanol, animal feed, and food sectors. The average yield per hectare is ** metric tons, supported by favorable tropical climatic conditions in northeastern provinces such as Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, and Sisaket. Thailand’s cassava market supports the livelihoods of over 700,000 farmers, highlighting its socio-economic importance.
Primary Areas/ Elements of Research & Analysis
The report provides comprehensive and valuable insights into the supply and demand dynamics of the Thailand cassava market. Below are the variables considered and analyzed in the report:
• Supply-demand trends, market growth, and trade
• Market structure, conduct, and performance analysis
• Historical and forecasted market size (volume & value)
• Trade analysis (export & import), including key partners, quantities, values, and price trends
• Supply chain mapping, pricing, and regulatory framework
• Competitive landscape profiling of key players
• Factors influencing market performance, including sustainability trends
Market Growth Factors
Growth in the Thailand cassava market is projected at a CAGR of around **% through 2030, propelled by increasing demand for cassava starch in food, paper, textile, and biofuel industries. The surge in global demand for sustainable and gluten-free starch alternatives has enhanced cassava’s appeal. Additionally, technological improvements in cultivation, including disease-resistant varieties and mechanized harvesting, have boosted productivity by 10-15% in recent years. The government’s continued support through subsidies, research investments, and export promotion policies further stimulates growth. Expanding industrial applications, such as the production of bioethanol as a renewable energy source, also contribute to increased cassava utilization, reflecting global trends toward sustainable energy.
Market Restraints & Challenges
Despite growth potential, the market faces challenges including price volatility linked to global commodity fluctuations and climate-related risks such as droughts and floods impacting yield consistency. Cassava farmers encounter competition from alternative crops like rubber and sugarcane, which sometimes offer higher profitability per hectare, leading to land-use shifts. Post-harvest losses remain a concern, with storage limitations causing up to 12% losses annually. Furthermore, the sector contends with regulatory hurdles in export markets, especially concerning phytosanitary standards and sustainability certifications required by the EU and North American markets. Labor shortages and rising costs in rural areas also strain operational efficiencies, as mechanization adoption remains uneven among smallholders.
Market Segmentation
Thailand’s cassava market segments primarily into fresh cassava roots, dried cassava chips, cassava pellets, and cassava starch products. Fresh roots dominate domestic consumption for direct food use and processing. Dried cassava chips and pellets form the bulk of exports, accounting for roughly **% of total shipments by volume. Cassava starch, an industrial product, comprises about **% of processed output, utilized extensively in food manufacturing and industrial applications. Geographically, the northeastern region leads production, accounting for **% of output, while southern Thailand contributes to value-added processing. The export market is segmented by destination, with China absorbing over **% of cassava exports, followed by Vietnam, the EU, and the Philippines.
Competitive Landscape
The Thailand cassava market is characterized by a mix of smallholder farmers and large agribusiness enterprises. Major players like Mitr Phol Group and Thai Wah Public Company operate vertically integrated supply chains covering cultivation, processing, and export. These companies invest heavily in R&D, quality control, and sustainability certifications to meet international standards and enhance market access. Smallholder farmers, supported by cooperatives and government programs, maintain significant production volumes but often face challenges in scaling operations and meeting quality requirements. Competition is rising from countries like Vietnam and Indonesia, which are expanding cassava production and processing capacities. However, Thailand’s well-established infrastructure, export networks, and product diversification provide a competitive advantage.
Outlook
Looking ahead, the Thailand cassava market is expected to expand steadily, reaching an estimated production volume of over ** million tonnes by 2030. Rising global demand for cassava starch and bio-based products will drive investment in advanced processing technologies and sustainable farming practices. The push toward renewable energy sources will boost bioethanol production from cassava, supporting environmental goals and providing additional revenue streams for farmers. Policy support from the government will remain crucial in addressing labor constraints, improving storage infrastructure, and facilitating market diversification. As export markets evolve with stricter quality and sustainability requirements, Thailand’s cassava industry will likely emphasize certifications and value-added products to sustain growth and maintain its global leadership position.
Scope of the Report:
• Historical Years: 2018-2023
• Base Year: 2024
• Forecast Period: 2025-2030
• Units: Value (US$ Million) and Volume (Thousand Tonnes)
• Report Coverage: Production, Consumption, Export, and Import
• Segments Covered:
By Type (Starch & Derivatives (Native and Modified Starch), Chips, Pellet, Pearl, and Pulp)
By Application (Food & Beverage, Animal Feed, Fuel Ethanol Feedstock, and Industrial Use)
By Sales (Domestic Consumption and Exports)
• Companies Profiled: The market players include, Thai Wah Group, Chorchaiwat Industry Co., Ltd., Thai Foods International Co., Ltd., General Starch Limited, Ubon Bio Ethanol Public Co., Ltd., Sanguan Wongse Industries Co., Ltd., Eiamheng Tapioca Starch Industry Co., Ltd., Uthai Produce Co., Ltd., Banglen Tapioca Flour Co., Ltd., Kalasin Thai Tapioca Company Limited, Roquette, Pon Srikrung Cassava Co., Ltd., Thai Super Tapioca Co., Ltd., AGRANA T&I, and Others.
Please note: It will take 4-5 business days to deliver the report upon receipt the order.
Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.
Download eBook