Thailand Is The World's Largest Orchid Exporter

[Jai Dee]

Thailand still tops world's largest orchid exporter

Thailand remains the world’s largest orchid exporter with export volume and value steadily increasing in the past decade, according to Kasikorn Research Centre.

The centre said Thai orchid exports in the first half of this year were worth US$36.8 million, an increase of 1.7% compared to that of the same period of last year.

It said the country now produces 44,000-45,000 tons a year, or an annual growth of 1%-2%. Half of the production is used locally and the rest is exported, the centre said.

The centre warned, however, that Thailand’s orchid exports are facing fierce competition from both long-time competitors such as Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia and new ones including Vietnam and New Zealand.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 August 2006