Cassava/CEPEA: Industrial Demand Sustains Prices

According to the CEPEA research center at the University of São Paulo, the cassava market experienced increased activity last week, as reported on April 20, 2026. This surge was primarily driven by producers needing to clear areas for new plantings or seeking to raise capital. However, CEPEA noted that despite the increased supply, robust demand from starch factories, particularly for building up their inventories, partially offset the market pressure. This strong industrial demand effectively limited intense downward pressure on prices, providing crucial support. Looking ahead to the coming weeks, CEPEA anticipates an intensification of harvesting activities, which will continue to be influenced by producers' need for cash flow. It's worth noting that in some regions, the availability of second-cycle cassava (12 to 18 months) is more limited. Producers indicate that this scarcity could impact the commercialization of younger cassava roots.