Thailand now ranks the second top exporter of fresh mangoes in ASEAN and 7th in the world.
Thailand’s exports of fresh mangoes increased by US$11 million (THB 363 million) in the first two months of this year, a 15% jump from the same period last year.
Auramon Supthaweethum, Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiation (DTN), said that in 2021 Thailand’s exports reached 95 million US dollars, an increase of 52% from the previous year.
She pointed out that 98% of that figure were exported to 18 Free Trade Agreement partner nations, notably ASEAN member states, China, Japan and South Korea, to name a few.
Thailand already exported about 11 million dollars worth of goods over the first 2 months of this year, an increase of 13% from the same period year-on-year, with Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Myanmar, and Vietnam being the top trading countries.
The director-general indicated that mangoes have become the most valuable exports in several FTA trading partners such as South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and China. The most popular strains of mangoes include barracuda, Mahachanok, Khiew Sawoey, Chok Anan. She opined that now is the time to expand the product to other markets.
The DTN chief also said that the popularity of Thai processed fruits is also on the rise.
Among the Thai mango varieties popular in those markets are Nam Dokmai, Maha Chanok, Khiew Savoey, and Chok Anan.
Fifteen of those countries waive import tax on Thai fresh mangoes, and only three still levy the tax — 5 percent by Laos and Cambodia, and 24 percent by South Korea, according to the official.
She said that the market for processed fruits is also expanding for such products as dried and frozen mango, as well as ready-to-eat mango sticky rice. Such products are free from import tax in 16 FTA markets.
“Thai business operators should improve and increase the formats of their products for export, to add more value and expand the market,” Auramon said.