Market
Tapioca starch (manioc/cassava starch; HS/PCT 1108.1400) in Pakistan is primarily an import-dependent ingredient market rather than a domestic production market. UN Comtrade data presented via the World Bank WITS platform shows Pakistan imported about 2,040,780 kg of manioc (cassava) starch in 2022, valued at about USD 1.68 million, with Thailand as the dominant origin and Vietnam a minor supplier. Pakistan’s Customs Tariff for FY 2025–26 lists a customs duty rate of 15% for PCT 1108.1400 (manioc/cassava starch), shaping landed-cost competitiveness. Market-access and delivery reliability are influenced by Pakistan’s border clearance regime for plant/plant products (import permit and related documentation requirements, where applicable) and by upstream supply variability in Thailand’s cassava sector.
Market RoleNet importer
Domestic RoleImported starch ingredient used by domestic manufacturers and industrial users
Risks
Upstream Supply HighImport supply concentration and upstream disruption risk: 2022 Pakistan imports of manioc (cassava) starch (HS 110814) were overwhelmingly sourced from Thailand (WITS/UN Comtrade), increasing exposure to Thailand cassava-sector shocks (e.g., drought/flood impacts and cassava mosaic disease) that can tighten availability and raise export prices.Qualify at least one additional origin/supplier (e.g., Vietnam and other established cassava-starch exporters), maintain safety stock for critical SKUs, and monitor Thailand cassava outlook updates from credible research/official sources.
Regulatory Compliance HighClearance-delay risk if the shipment is treated as a regulated plant/plant product: DPP states imports require an import permit and supporting documentation (including phytosanitary certificate where applicable) and can be subject to inspection/sampling/treatment prior to release; missing or mismatched documentation can lead to port delays and demurrage.Before shipment, confirm DPP applicability for cassava starch (HS/PCT 1108.1400) and align documentation set (import permit, phytosanitary certificate if required, invoice/packing list/transport docs) with the clearing agent’s checklist.
Logistics MediumFreight-rate volatility and port dwell time can materially affect landed costs and delivery reliability for containerized, bulky starch shipments into Pakistan.Use forward freight planning, choose reliable carriers, and build lead-time buffers in procurement contracts; hold buffer inventory for key industrial customers.
Tariff And Taxes MediumCustoms duty cost risk: Pakistan Customs Tariff FY 2025–26 lists a 15% customs duty rate for PCT 1108.1400 (manioc/cassava starch), and changes in annual tariff schedules or additional border taxes can affect landed-cost competitiveness.Verify the applicable FY tariff schedule and all border tax components with the clearing agent at time of contracting; model sensitivity to duty/tax changes in pricing.
Sustainability- Upstream environmental footprint risk in source countries: cassava processing for starch extraction generates effluent high in organic load; supplier environmental management and wastewater treatment practices may be scrutinized in sustainability due diligence.
FAQ
What is the observed recent import profile for tapioca (cassava) starch into Pakistan?UN Comtrade data presented via the World Bank WITS platform shows Pakistan imported manioc (cassava) starch (HS 110814) in 2022, totaling about 2,040,780 kg valued at about USD 1.68 million, with Thailand as the dominant supplier and Vietnam a minor supplier.
What customs duty rate is listed in Pakistan for manioc (cassava) starch?Pakistan’s Customs Tariff for FY 2025–26 lists a customs duty rate of 15% for PCT 1108.1400 (manioc/cassava starch).
Which quarantine-style documents might be required for importing cassava starch into Pakistan?Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection (DPP) states that imports of plants, plant material, and plant products require an import permit and, for release, supporting documents such as a phytosanitary certificate (where applicable), invoice, packing list, and transport documents; importers should confirm whether a specific cassava starch shipment is treated as a regulated 'plant product' under DPP coverage.