After European Union, United State and United Kingdom, Thailand emerged as Asia’s leading ice cream exporter, ranks Fourth in the world.
Due to strong consumer demand globally Thailand has emerged as Asia’s leading ice cream exporter now, ranks fourth largest in the world, after the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
According to the Thai government, indigenous ice cream exports have seen steady growth despite new global market challenges, driven by strong global consumer demand and expanded world market access through free international trade agreements.
Thai Ice cream market increased in last 5 years, between 2020 and 2024, The average of Thailand’s ice cream exports was 106 million US $ per year, with an growth rate of 11 % per annum. But in the first two months of 2025, export value reached 22 million $, That is further 3 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Thailand has a good network of 14 free trade agreements covering 18 countries, these trade agreements played a major role behind this growth. Tariffs also have been eliminated by 17 of these partners, which giving Thai ice cream a clear cut competitive edge. In early 2025, export of Thai ice cream to these markets accounted around 87 % of total ice cream shipments, with strong growth reported in ASEAN, South Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Japan. In Japan only, despite maintaining tariffs, a sharp increase of 827 % increase in Thai ice cream imports.
Due to good demand of Thai Ice Cream globally, several international ice cream manufacturers and brands have already set up their production and export operations in Thailand, which makes the country a leading supply hub for the region. The government reports that Thailand’s ice cream industry benefits from its production capacity, diverse ingredients, and competitive trade advantages.
Now the Thailand government also plans to support its businesses in developing new products featuring with local flavors and healthy ingredients to meet changing consumer likening and trends, which will support to expand Thailand’s presence in global markets.
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News Resource – thainews.prd.go.th, 14th May 2025
