Factors Determining Sago Starch Import Demand: Empirical Evidence from Japan

*Corresponding author: Marlisa Ayu Trisia International Center for Research and Education in Agriculture, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan Tel: +81-52-789-4240 Fax: +81-52-789-4225 E-mail: trisiayu@agr.nagoya-u.ac.jp Abstract Sago starch (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) is one of the starches imported into Japan. Recently, sago starch has been promoted as a healthy type of starch because it is gluten-free and non-allergenic. This study aims to identify the factors affecting sago starch import demand during the period 1978–2017 in Japan by using a double logarithmic linear function. The study revealed that the price of sago starch, GDP, aging population rate and tariff-rate quota policy are significant factors influencing sago starch importation in Japan.