Vietnam's cassava exports saw significant volume growth during the first half of 2025, reaching over 2.2 million tons and generating more than $687 million. This marks a 63.1% increase in volume and a 9% rise in value compared to the same period in 2024. However, despite the surge in shipments, export prices have dropped sharply due to reduced demand and price pressures from China, Vietnam's primary market for cassava, as reported by Cafef
More than 2.1 million tons of cassava and cassava products were shipped to China, up 70% in volume and 13% in value year-on-year. Yet, the average export price fell by nearly a third, down to $298 per ton. Taiwan and the Philippines followed as key buyers, though export prices to these markets also saw a similar decline.
The price drop is largely attributed to high inventories at Chinese ports, slow processing activity, and increased supply from Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. Moreover, many Chinese factories are substituting cassava chips with cheaper alternatives like corn, intensifying the pricing squeeze. This has severely impacted Vietnamese producers, with some forced to suspend operations despite being in peak harvest season.
To address the sector's challenges, Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has approved a development strategy to boost cassava output to 11.5-12.5 million tons by 2030 and increase exports to $1.8-2.0 billion. The plan includes expanding quality cassava cultivation and promoting sustainable farming practices to ensure long-term viability in the face of shifting market dynamics.
Source: Cafef
