Thai Agricultural Exports Surge! Which Market Holds the Next Big Opportunity?
May, 15 2025
Thailand’s agricultural trade in 2024 has shown steady growth, with the total value reaching 2.53 trillion baht. Exports accounted for 1.8 trillion baht, marking a year-on-year increase of 137 billion baht, or 8.28%, while imports totaled 727 billion baht, up by 2.24%.
Top Trading Partners:
- ASEAN (23%)
- China (21%)
- USA (9%)
- EU (9%)
- Japan (7%)
In ASEAN markets, Thailand maintained a trade surplus of 229.7 billion baht, with exports worth 410.8 billion baht and imports at 181.1 billion baht, showing positive momentum compared to the previous year.
Top 5 Exported Agricultural Products:
- Rice (e.g., jasmine rice, glutinous rice) – 46.1 billion THB
- Cane sugar – 38.2 billion THB
- Flavored and sweetened beverages – 27.6 billion THB
- Raw sugar – 22.4 billion THB
- Non-alcoholic beverages – 19.0 billion THB
Top 5 Imported Agricultural Products:
- Cassava (chips/pellets) – 21.6 billion THB
- Corn (non-planting) – 19.4 billion THB
- Processed foods (e.g., tofu, creamer) – 18.8 billion THB
- Raw coffee beans – 8.6 billion THB
- Frozen or sweetened fruits – 7.4 billion THB
Key ASEAN Export Destinations:
- Malaysia – 77.3 billion THB (natural rubber, frozen chicken, rice, palm oil, pet food)
- Indonesia – 68.4 billion THB (rice, raw sugar, fruits, pet food, starch)
- Cambodia – 62.8 billion THB (sugar, beverages, processed food, natural rubber)
In Q1 2025, the total trade value between Thailand and ASEAN reached 160 billion baht, with exports at 100.5 billion baht and imports at 59.6 billion baht, maintaining a trade surplus of 40.9 billion baht.
Despite positive export trends, Thailand faces challenges such as protectionist policies and trade conflicts among major economies. Tariff hikes and shifting alliances may impact competitiveness.
To stay ahead, Thailand must:
- Upgrade production standards to meet global benchmarks
- Ensure import regulations are enforced
- Diversify into new markets to reduce dependency on high-risk ones