Market
Tapioca starch (cassava starch; HS 110814) in Guatemala is primarily an import-supplied ingredient market used by food manufacturers and ingredient distributors. UN Comtrade data published via the World Bank WITS portal shows Guatemala imported manioc (cassava) starch in 2023 with an import value of USD 761.57 thousand and quantity of 952,252 kg. Cassava (yuca) is cultivated domestically in Guatemala (notably in Costa Sur, Oriente, and some northern areas), but the tapioca starch ingredient market is still largely served by imports. Market access risk is dominated by sanitary registration and labeling compliance processes administered by Guatemala’s MSPAS for processed foods marketed in-country.
Market RoleNet importer (import-supplied ingredient market) with limited regional exports
Domestic RoleIndustrial food ingredient for domestic processing; import supplied
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighMarket access can be blocked or severely delayed if MSPAS sanitary registration/authorization and labeling documentation requirements applicable to the marketed product are not met (including Spanish labeling documentation for imported products).Confirm Guatemala regulatory pathway with a local importer/regulatory agent; prepare Spanish-compliant labeling documentation; complete MSPAS DRCA registration steps (as applicable) before placing product on the market.
Logistics MediumModel inference: freight-rate and container-availability volatility can materially affect landed cost and availability for a bulky, low unit-value starch, especially for extra-regional supply routes.Diversify supply options (regional and extra-regional), maintain safety stock, and lock freight/forwarding capacity where feasible.
Supply Chain MediumGuatemala’s tapioca/cassava starch market shows reliance on imports (UN Comtrade via WITS), creating exposure to external supply disruptions and supplier-country price movements.Dual-source suppliers and qualify substitutes where formulation permits; monitor import lead times and supplier performance.
Documentation Gap MediumModel inference: inconsistencies between commercial documents (invoice/packing list), product identity (HS classification/product name), and regulatory labeling/registration documentation can trigger customs and/or sanitary hold-ups.Run pre-shipment document reconciliation (product name, HS code, net weights, lot/batch identifiers, labeling) against the importer’s MSPAS/customs checklist.
FAQ
How much tapioca (cassava) starch did Guatemala import recently?UN Comtrade data published via the World Bank WITS portal shows Guatemala imported manioc (cassava) starch (HS 110814) in 2023 with an import value of USD 761.57 thousand and a quantity of 952,252 kg.
What HS code is typically used for tapioca (cassava) starch in trade data?The Harmonized System subheading commonly used is HS 110814, defined as manioc (cassava) starch.
What is a key compliance blocker for selling an imported tapioca starch product in Guatemala?A major blocker is failing to meet MSPAS sanitary registration requirements (where applicable) and associated labeling documentation requirements, including Spanish labeling documentation for imported products when the original label is not in Spanish.