Photo courtesy of Thai PBS

 

Thailand maintains its lead in the global tapioca trade, as the Ministry of Commerce celebrates the kingdom's position as the top exporter for 2024 and aims to hold onto this title in 2025.

 

Speaking to reporters, Arada Fuangtong, Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade, announced that from January to May 2025, Thailand exported an impressive 4.06 million tonnes of tapioca. This marks a substantial 37.16% increase compared to the same period last year.

 

Arada anticipates that Thailand will export 7.5 million tonnes of tapioca throughout 2025, securing its status as the world's leading exporter of this vital economic crop for a second year running.

 

To achieve this target, the department is arming Thai exporters with up-to-date information on new and emerging markets. While China remains a dominant importer, demand from Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East is also on a notable rise.

 

Arada encouraged exporters to broaden their reach by tapping into burgeoning sectors such as animal feed. "Expanding into diverse markets is crucial for maintaining and boosting export figures," she noted.

 

The domestic market has seen the price of locally-grown tapioca double to 2 baht per kilogram due to surging international demand, despite a 30% drop in global tapioca prices since early this year.

 

Further strengthening Thailand's position, the 7th World Tapioca Conference 2025 will be hosted at ICONSIAM in Bangkok on 29-30 July. This high-profile event is anticipated to generate purchase orders worth at least 300 million baht from international buyers, boosting the Thai tapioca trade further.

 

With this strategic focus and upcoming international engagement, Thailand remains on track to dominate the global tapioca market and support its local growers with increasing benefits.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-07-30

 

 

 

Harvesting that stuff is a killer. The temperatures are crippling, there's no water and no shade.

 

I know because I watch the wife from the car.