Bangkok: The "Compressed cassava pellets" market is experiencing a remarkable surge in growth, with the Ministry of Commerce implementing strategic plans to penetrate the global market.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of International Trade has reported that new markets are propelling the significant growth in cassava pellet exports during the first two months of 2026. The exports have increased by over 133% compared to the previous year, largely fueled by demand from the animal feed industry, particularly in China and Saudi Arabia. However, overall cassava exports have seen a decline due to a slowdown in foreign orders.
Ms. Arada Fuangthong, Director-General of the Department of International Trade, disclosed that exports of cassava pellets during January-February 2026 reached 0.07 million tons, valued at 419.50 million baht. This reflects increases of 133.33% in volume and 132.87% in value compared to the same period last year, indicating heightened demand in emerging markets, especially in the animal feed industries of China and Saudi Arabia.
Conversely, overall cassava exports during the same period totaled 0.90 million tons, valued at 12,310.14 million baht, marking a decrease of 32.33% in volume and 27.24% in value compared to the previous year, which recorded a volume of 1.33 million tons valued at 16,918.00 million baht. This decline is attributed to businesses gathering produce for processing, leading to a slowdown in orders from overseas buyers.
The Director-General emphasized that despite the overall export slowdown, the government's proactive market expansion efforts persist in supporting exports. The focus remains on promoting new markets while sustaining key markets, ensuring steady growth for the tapioca pellet product.
Moreover, the average export prices of individual products, including cassava pellets, chips, and raw cassava starch, have risen by 2.98 percent, 17.91 percent, and 13.31 percent, respectively, compared to the previous year.
For 2026, the Department plans to broaden export markets by organizing delegations of government and private sector representatives to conduct marketing activities in Japan. These initiatives aim to promote the use of cassava pellets in the beef and dairy industries and cassava starch in the food and bioplastic industries, with positive feedback already received from importers.
Additionally, there are plans to expand into countries such as China (Chongqing), Germany, and the United States. This includes preparing for the 'World Tapioca Connect' event in Thailand, inviting global importers and organizing business matching activities to enhance trade opportunities and expand the use of tapioca in related industries like animal feed, food and beverages, chemicals, adhesives, and paper.
The Department of International Trade remains committed to driving cassava exports by focusing on new, potential markets and developing related products and industries, with the aim of sustaining export growth and ensuring long-term stability for Thai farmers and businesses.