ANN/THE NATION – Thailand has emerged as ASEAN’s top exporter of dairy products, recording an 11.5 per cent surge in exports in 2024, reaching a total value of USD582 million (THB19.623 billion).
Deputy Minister of Commerce Suchart Chomklin announced the figures, highlighting Thailand’s strong performance in key markets across the region.
The country’s dairy exports saw significant growth in six major ASEAN markets, with Malaysia leading the increase at 64.3 per cent, followed by Vietnam at 30.4 per cent, Indonesia at 27.1 per cent, Singapore at 20.1 per cent, the Philippines at 19 per cent, and Myanmar at 14.6 per cent. This upward trend is attributed to Thailand’s competitive pricing, high product quality, and efficient logistics, which have strengthened its position in the regional dairy market.
Thailand’s dairy products currently benefit from zero tariffs within ASEAN under the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), providing a significant advantage for exporters.
Popular exports include yogurt, drinking yogurt, UHT milk and soy milk blended with dairy.
The rise in urbanisation and increasing demand for milk-based beverages such as tea and coffee in neighbouring countries, including Cambodia, Malaysia, and Laos, present further growth opportunities for Thai dairy producers.
Singapore, which heavily relies on food imports, and the Philippines, where 99 per cent of dairy demand is met through imports, are also considered promising markets. The deputy minister encouraged Thai businesses to capitalise on these opportunities and leverage free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand their market presence.
Beyond ASEAN, Thailand’s dairy exports have also gained traction in China, Australia, New Zealand, Chile and Hong Kong, where regional FTAs have eliminated import tariffs on Thai dairy products.
Exporters are urged to maximise the benefits of these agreements and adapt to evolving consumer preferences to maintain global competitiveness.
The Ministry of Commerce is also looking to expand Thailand’s trade footprint by exploring new FTAs with emerging markets in Africa and South America. Additionally, the government aims to finalise negotiations for FTAs with South Korea and ASEAN-Canada by 2025.
These agreements are expected to enhance market access, reduce trade barriers, and further solidify Thailand’s position as a key player in the global dairy trade.
