Thailand is a major producer of food products, and is also one of the world's significant exporters of agricultural products. The share of agriculture in the employment structure is about 30.4%, while the sector provides only 8.6% of GDP. The main constraints to productivity growth are the high level of rural poverty, as well as an increase in the average age of employees in the agricultural industry.
Sugar cane is the main crop in Thailand. In 2022, the gross harvest of this crop amounted to 92.1 million tons. Production volumes are gradually recovering after a significant reduction caused by adverse weather conditions for sugar cane cultivation in 2020-2021. Sugar cane processing products are one of the main commodities in the structure of Thailand's agricultural exports.
The main food crop, as well as the country's key export commodity, is rice. Thailand is one of the world's largest producers, and also ranks second in terms of supplies of this crop to foreign markets after India. In 2022, the gross rice harvest in the country amounted to 34.3 million tons. Corn accounts for almost all of the remaining grain production (4.9 million tons in 2022).
Cassava and oil palm fruits are also important crop products in Thailand, the production of which in 2022 amounted to 34.1 million tons and 19.1 million tons, respectively. In the fruit and berry category, pineapples, mangoes and bananas account for the largest share of production. In 2022, the gross harvest of crops amounted to 1.7 million tons, 1.4 million tons and 1.3 million tons, respectively. In addition, 679.2 thousand tons of coconuts were produced in Thailand in 2022. Thailand is the world's largest producer and exporter of natural rubber. In 2022, the production volume amounted to 4.8 million tons.
The key livestock industries in Thailand are poultry and pig farming. In 2022, the country produced 1.8 million tons of poultry meat and about 13.21 billion pieces of chicken eggs. Poultry sector products are also an important export product of Thailand. Pork production in 2022 amounted to 890.7 thousand tons. This type of meat is one of the main sources of animal protein for Thai residents. In addition, 138.5 thousand tons of beef and 1.2 million tons of cow's milk were produced in 2022.
The production of fish and seafood in Thailand in 2022 amounted to 2.4 million tons (fishing and fish farming are approximately equally developed in the country). Fish and seafood, as well as their processed products, occupy an important place in the diet of the inhabitants of the country.
In 2023, imports of agricultural products in Thailand amounted to 20.5 billion US dollars, which is 3.0% or 587.9 million US dollars below the level of 2022 and at the same time 30.4% more than in 2019. The volume of imports of agricultural products in 2019-2023 increased by an average of 6.9% per year.
The structure of imports of agricultural products in Thailand is quite diversified. The most demanded imported agricultural products in the country are soybeans (9.9% of total imports of agricultural goods in value terms or 2.0 billion US dollars) and frozen fish (9.8% or 2.0 billion US dollars). The top 5 agricultural products imported by the country for the year also included soybean meal (8.7% or 1.8 billion US dollars), wheat (6.5% or 1.3 billion US dollars) and shellfish (3.2% or 649.3 million US dollars). In total, ten main agricultural products accounted for 49.5% of Thailand's imports in value terms in 2023.
Compared to the previous year, the largest increase in 2023 was observed in imports of wheat (+95.9% or +653.4 million USD). At the same time, there was a significant decrease in purchases of frozen fish (-9.7% or USD -216.1 million) and milk powder (-13.2% or USD -73.2 million).
The largest exporters of agricultural products to Thailand in 2023 were Brazil (17.0% of the country's imports in value terms) and China (13.2%). Cumulatively, the top 10 countries accounted for 66.9% of agricultural product imports in value terms.
In 2019-2023, Thailand most noticeably increased purchases of agricultural products from Brazil (2.3 times or +2.0 billion US dollars), Australia (2.5 times or +879.0 million US dollars), China (+23.7% or +517.5 million US dollars) and India (+68.3% or +410.7 million US dollars USA). Meanwhile, over the same period, shipments from the United States decreased significantly (-30.9% or -584.3 million US dollars).
In 2023, Thailand imported 1.7 million tons of fish and seafood products worth US$3.6 billion. The volume of imports of this product category decreased by 12.2% (-235.9 thousand tons) in volume terms and by 8.7% (-343.2 million USD) in value terms compared to 2022. Purchases of fish and seafood on foreign markets decreased annually by 0.9% in volume terms and grew by 2.1% in value terms.
In the structure of Thailand's fish and seafood imports in 2023, the largest share was frozen fish (55.4% of the value of purchases or USD 2.0 billion).
The main import categories in this product group in 2023 were shellfish (18.0% or USD 649.3 million) and fresh and chilled fish (11.0% or USD 398.1 million). Cumulatively, these products accounted for 84.4% of imports of fish and seafood in value terms.
In 2023, the most significant was the growth of jellyfish imports - in comparison with 2022, purchases of this product increased 8.2 times in volume terms (+5.0 thousand tons) and 2.4 times in value terms (+2.1 million USD). In addition, imports of frozen fish decreased significantly - by 14.2% in volume terms (-179.5 thousand tons) and by 9.7% in value terms (USD -216.1 million), fish fillets and other fish meat - by 19.5% (-24.2 thousand tons) and by 23.6% (USD -86.2 million), respectively.
In the structure of Thailand's fish and seafood imports by species in 2023, tuna accounted for the largest share (48.7% of value imports or USD 1.8 billion). In addition, cuttlefish and squid (15.6% or US$564.2 million), salmon (10.8% or US$390.8 million), shrimp (4.4% or US$157.3 million) and mackerel (3.5% or US$125.5 million) accounted for a significant volume of fish and seafood purchases in 2023. Cumulatively, these products accounted for 92.2% of Thailand's imports of fish and seafood in value terms.
In 2023, imports of bivalve molluscs increased most significantly - in comparison with 2022, purchases increased by 14.2% in volume terms (+2.8 thousand tons) and by 16.1% in value terms (USD +4.3 million). At the same time, salmon shipments decreased significantly by 11.7% in volume terms (-7.5 thousand tons) and by 16.4% in value terms (-76.6 million USD), trout by 32.4% (-3.7 thousand tons) and by 31.0% (-34.2 million USD), herring by 21.3% (-45.4 thousand tons) and by 22.0% (-31.0 million USD), respectively.
Among the major fish and seafood exporting countries to Thailand in 2023, India was the leading country, accounting for 9.6 percent of imports in value terms (US$347.4 million). The country mainly supplied frozen fish and shellfish. The second largest supplier of fish to Thailand was Norway with shipments of 40,300 tons of products (mainly fresh and chilled fish) or US$309.5 million (8.6% of imports in value terms) in 2023. Significant volumes were exported by Taiwan (6.9%) - 121.3 thousand tons worth $248.2 million. The basis of the country's exports was frozen fish. In total, the top 10 suppliers of fish and seafood to the Thai market accounted for 57.3% of the country's imports in value terms.
The largest growth in 2023 was observed in shipments from the Republic of Korea and India. The Republic of Korea increased exports of fish and seafood by 7.7% in volume terms (+5.5 thousand tons) and by 19.4% in value terms (+23.4 million USD). India's exports increased by 6.0% in volume terms (+9.4 thousand tons) and decreased by 5.1% in value terms (USD 18.8 million).
At the same time, there was a significant decrease in supplies from Norway - by 10.8% in volume terms (-4.9 thousand tons) and by 14.8% in value terms (-54.0 million USD), Vietnam - by 21.4% (-22.8 thousand tons) and by 22.8% (-63.8 million USD), as well as China - by 29.4% (-42.3 thousand tons) and by 22.0% (-58.0 million USD), respectively.
In 2023, Thailand imported 5.61 million tons of vegetables, fruits and mushrooms worth US$2.25 billion. Imports of this product category decreased by 3.0% in volume terms (-172.6 thousand tons) and increased by 3.1% in value terms (+US$67.1 million) relative to 2022. In 2019-2023, Thailand's purchases of this type of products increased annually by 12.2% in volume terms and by 8.7% in value terms.
In the structure of Thailand's vegetable, fruit and mushroom imports in 2023, root and tuber crops with high starch or inulin content accounted for the largest share with 25.8% of imports in value terms or US$582.6 million. Fresh grapes (12.5% or USD 281.4 million), apples (10.4% or USD 235.5 million), mushrooms (7.3% or USD 164.7 million), frozen fruits and nuts (7.1% or USD 159.4 million) were also among the main products purchased. Cumulatively, these categories accounted for 63.2% of imports of vegetables, fruits and mushrooms.
In 2023, significant growth was noted in supplies of fresh grapes, fresh cabbage and fresh bulbous fresh vegetables. Thus, as compared to 2022, the volume of purchases of fresh grapes increased by 5.0% in volume terms (+6.5 thousand tons) and by 13.9% in value terms (+34.3 million USD), fresh cabbage - by 32.3% (+68.9 thousand tons) and 30.4% (+27.4 million USD), bulbous fresh vegetables - by 63.7% (+66.2 thousand tons) and by 48.2% (+20.8 million USD), respectively. At the same time, imports of root and tuber crops with high starch or inulin content decreased significantly - by 5.9% in volume terms (-253.5 thousand tons) and by 1.7% in value terms (USD 10.1 million), apples - by 12.5% (-22.8 thousand tons) and by 7.3% (USD 18.5 million), respectively.
Among the largest exporting countries of vegetables, fruits and mushrooms to Thailand in 2023, China ranked first, accounting for 49.4% of imports in value terms (USD 1.1 billion) - the country's supplies were based on fresh grapes, apples and mushrooms. The second largest supplier of vegetables, fruits and mushrooms to Thailand is Laos with exports in 2023 at 2.0 million tons of products or USD 356.0 million (15.8% of imports in value terms). Also, significant volumes of agricultural products were purchased from Cambodia - 2.1 million tons worth US$246.5 million (10.9% of imports in value terms). Thailand and Cambodia mainly supplied Thailand with root and tuber crops with high starch or inulin content. In total, the top 10 exporting countries accounted for 94.6% of Thailand's imports of vegetables, fruits and mushrooms in value terms.
The largest growth in 2023 was noted in shipments from China, Laos and Indonesia. Exports from China increased by 8.3% in volume terms (+87.5 thousand tons) and by 5.2% in value terms (+55.4 million USD), Laos - by 4.8% (+93.0 thousand tons) and by 11.8% (+37.6 million USD), Indonesia - by 2.1 times (+7.5 thousand tons) and by 2.5 times (+16.1 million USD), respectively. At the same time, there was a significant reduction in shipments from Cambodia - exports decreased by 15.1% in volume terms (-368.2 thousand tons) and by 19.6% in value terms (-60.2 million USD).
In 2023, Thailand imported 5.75 million tons of cereals worth USD 2.01 billion. The volume of imports of this product category increased by 78.7% in volume terms (+2.5 million tons) and by 71.6% in value terms (+839.5 million USD) compared to 2022.
The volume of cereal purchases in foreign markets in 2019-2023 increased annually by 8.5% in volume terms and 17.0% in value terms.
In the structure of Thailand's cereal imports in 2023, wheat accounted for the largest share with 66.4% of imports in value terms or US$1.3 billion. Corn (23.0% or US$462.6 million), barley (9.6% or US$193.3 million), rice (0.6% or US$12.7 million) and millet (0.2% or US$4.3 million) were also among the top products supplied. Cumulatively, these categories accounted for 99.8% of crop imports in value terms.
In 2023, significant growth was noted in wheat and barley supplies. Thus, compared to 2022, the volume of wheat purchases increased by 2.2 times in volume terms (+2.1 million tons) and by 95.9% in value terms (+653.4 million USD), barley - by 7.3 times (+562.2 thousand tons) and 7 times (+166.0 million USD), respectively. Over the same period, imports of corn - by 8.9% in volume terms (-133.1 thousand tons) and millet - by 33.9% (-3.9 thousand tons) decreased significantly.
Among the largest grain exporting countries to Thailand in 2023, Australia ranked first, accounting for 42.4% of imports in value terms (US$852.8 million). This country mainly exported wheat. The second largest supplier of cereals to Thailand is Myanmar. The volume of purchases of this category of products in the country in 2023 amounted to 1.2 million tons (mainly corn) worth USD 411.0 million (13.2% of imports). Also significant volumes of cereals (mainly wheat) were supplied by the USA - in 2023 the volume amounted to 681.1 thousand tons worth USD 286.0 million (14.2% of imports). In total, the top 10 countries accounted for 98.7% of Thailand's cereal imports in value terms.
The largest increase in 2023 was seen in shipments from Australia, Bulgaria and Ukraine. Australia's exports increased 3-fold in volume terms (+1.7 million tons) and 2.6-fold in value terms (+$532.1 million). Bulgaria restored grain exports to Thailand to 410.9 thousand tons worth 117.2 million USD. Ukraine increased supplies 11.6 times in volume terms (+192.4 thousand tons) and 8.4 times in value terms (+56.3 million USD).
At the same time, there was a significant decrease in shipments from India - exports decreased by 96.7% in volume terms (-276.3 thousand tons) and by 86.2% in value terms (-96.6 million USD).
In 2023, Thailand imported 279.0 thousand tons of milk and dairy products worth USD 868.8 million. The volume of purchases of this category of products on foreign markets increased by 5.2% in volume terms (+13.7 thousand tons) and decreased by 10.4% in value terms (USD 100.9 million) compared to 2022. Annually, import of milk and dairy products of Thailand grew by 1.4% in volume terms and by 6.3% in value terms.
In the structure of Thailand's dairy product imports in 2023, milk powder accounted for the largest share (55.4% of imports in value terms or USD 481.4 million). Cheese and cottage cheese (13.7% or USD 118.9 million), whey (10.4% or USD 18.9 million) were also among the main imported products. Cumulatively, these categories of dairy products accounted for 79.6% of imports in value terms.
In 2023, import of cheese and cottage cheese, as well as butter increased most strongly. Compared to 2022, purchases of cheese and cottage cheese increased by 7.7% in volume terms (+1.5 thousand tons) and by 12.8% in value terms (+$13.5 million), butter - by 15.7% (+434.0 tons) and by 10.1% (+2.1 million), respectively. Meanwhile, purchases of butter and fats made from milk, except butter - by 14.1% in volume terms (-1.6 thousand tons) and by 24.6% in value terms (-18.0 thousand tons), as well as ice cream - by 36.2% (-2.6 thousand tons) and by 16.9% (-$3.4 million), respectively, decreased significantly.
Among the largest exporting countries of milk and dairy products to Thailand in 2023, New Zealand was the leader, accounting for 53.0% of imports in value terms (USD 460.1 million). The second largest supplier of milk to Thailand is Australia with shipments in 2023 at 27,500 tons of products worth US$105.1 million (12.1% of imports). Significant volumes were exported by the United States (8.0%) with 31.1 thousand tons worth US$69.2 million. The bulk of exports of all three countries was milk powder. In total, the top 10 countries accounted for 91.9% of Thailand's imports of milk and dairy products.
The largest growth in 2023 was recorded in supplies from Germany and Finland. Germany increased exports of dairy products by 72.4% in volume terms (+7.3 thousand tons) and by 32.9% in value terms (+8.2 million USD), Finland - by 5 times (+4.6 thousand tons) and 3.2 times (+10.2 million USD), respectively. At the same time, there was a decrease in supplies of milk and dairy products in 2023 from Belgium - by 28.9% relative to 2022 in volume terms (-2.5 thousand tons) and by 42.3% in value terms (-14.5 million USD), as well as Ireland - by 27.3% (-1.7 thousand tons) and by 43.8% (-10.2 million USD), respectively.
In 2023, Thailand imported 137.6 thousand tons of confectionery products valued at USD 634.2 million, up 3.7% in volume (+4.9 thousand tons) and 8.4% in value (USD +49.0 million) from 2022. In 2019-2023, Thailand's confectionery purchases from foreign markets grew annually by an average of 7.3% in volume terms and 8.6% in value terms.
In the structure of Thailand's confectionery imports, flour and bakery confectionery products accounted for the largest share, accounting for 48.7% (US$309.1 million) of imports in value terms. Chocolate and sugary confectionery products accounted for 29.1% and 22.2%, respectively.
Flour and sugary confectionery imports showed the highest growth in 2023. Purchases of flour confectionery and bakery products against 2022 increased by 3.0% in volume terms (+2.2 thousand tons) and by 11.1% in value terms (+$30.9 million), while purchases of sugar confectionery increased by 8.7% (+2.8 thousand tons) and by 8.6% (+$11.1 million), respectively.
Among the largest exporting countries of confectionery products to Thailand in 2023, Indonesia was the leader, accounting for 22.2% of imports in value terms (US$140.6 million). The second largest supplier in 2023 was Malaysia (20.9%) with 21.3 thousand tons of products worth US$132.5 million. The main exports of Indonesia and Malaysia to Thailand were confectionery flour and bakery products. Also, significant volumes of confectionery products (mainly sugar products) were purchased in China (17.6% of imports) - 29.0 thousand tons worth USD 11.8 million. In total, the top 10 countries accounted for 81.9% of Thailand's confectionery imports in 2023.
The most significant growth in 2023 was shown by supplies from Indonesia, Malaysia and China. Indonesia increased confectionery exports by 3.3% in volume terms (+1.5 thousand tons) and by 10.9% in value terms (+$13.9 million), Malaysia - by 3.0% (+625.0 tons) and by 8.2% (+$10.0 million), China - by 9.4% (+2.5 thousand tons) and by 9.1% (+$9.3 million), respectively. In 2023, there was a significant decrease in shipments from the US, down 35.9% in volume (-720.0 tons) and 28.2% in value (-$7.8 million).
In 2023, Thailand purchased 663.3 thousand tons of processed cereals and legumes products worth USD 459.6 million in foreign markets. Compared to 2022, the volume of imports of this category of goods decreased by 2.9% in volume terms (-19.7 thousand tons) and increased by 6.5% in value terms (+28.2 million USD). In 2019-2023, imports of processed grain and legume products increased by an average of 4.3% per year in volume terms and 12.4% in value terms.
In the structure of Thailand's imports of processed cereals and legumes products in 2023, malt accounted for the largest share (43.3% of imports in value terms or USD 199.1 million). Starch (20.3% or US$93.3 million), wheat or wheat-rye flour (18.3% or US$84.0 million) were also significant among the main imported products. Cumulatively, these types of products accounted for 81.9% of imports in value terms. In 2023, imports of malt increased significantly. Thus, compared to 2022, the volume of purchases of this product increased by 23.9% in volume terms (+51.5 thousand tons) and by 48.5% in value terms (+65.0 million USD). At the same time, imports of wheat gluten decreased by 34.2% in volume terms (-5.8 thousand tons) and by 34.6% in value terms (+65.0 million USD), cereals and flour from other grains - by 19.4% (-18.5 thousand tons) and by 23.9% (10.2 million USD).
Among the largest exporting countries of processed grain and legume products to Thailand in 2023, the leading position was taken by China, which accounted for 27.2% of imports in value terms (USD 125.1 million). The second largest supplier to Thailand was Australia (17.1% of imports in value terms), which supplied 109,400 tons of products worth US$78.4 million to the Thai market in 2023. The major part of exported products of China and Australia was malt. Vietnam (10.7% of the value of imports) also exported significant volumes of processed cereals and legumes - 94.7 thousand tons worth USD 49.2 million. The basis of the country's exports was cereals and flour from other grains. In total, the top 10 countries accounted for 83.9% of imports in value terms.
The largest increase in 2023 was observed in shipments from Australia, India and the Netherlands. Australia's exports increased by 6.4% in volume terms (+6.6 thousand tons) and by 32.5% in value terms (+19.2 million USD), India - by 55.0% (+15.6 thousand tons) and by 51.8% (+7.1 million USD), the Netherlands - by 2.3 times (+6.5 thousand tons) and 59.5% (+3.8 million USD), respectively. At the same time, shipments from Myanmar decreased significantly - imports from this country fell by 39.2% in volume terms (-50.7 thousand tons) and by 35.1% in value terms (USD 17.7 million).
In 2023, Thailand imported 91,500 tons of alcoholic beverages worth US$438.5 million. Compared to 2022, the import of this product category increased by 6.5% in volume terms (+5.6 thousand tons) and by 3.9% in value terms (+US$16.3 million). In 2019-2023, the supply of alcoholic beverages to the Thai market grew annually by an average of 8.3% in volume terms and 4.7% in value terms.
In the structure of imports of alcoholic beverages in value terms in 2023, the largest share was occupied by whiskey (31.5% or USD 138.0 million). The main imported alcoholic products in 2023 also included grape wines (25.7% or USD 112.8 million). Compared to 2022, the largest growth was observed in whisky shipments, the volume of imports of which in 2023 increased by 5.0% in volume terms (+551.0 tons) and by 5.6% in value terms (USD +7.3 million), beer - by 10.2% (+3.2 thousand tons) and by 14.6% (USD +5.7 million), vodka - by 54.2% (676.0 tons) and by 40.1% (USD 2.1 million), respectively. Meanwhile, in 2023, Thailand's purchases of cider and other fermented beverages decreased by 19.6% in volume terms (-1.8 thousand tons) and by 17.6% in value (-2.5 million US dollars).
Among the largest alcohol exporting countries to Thailand in 2023, the United Kingdom took the leading position, accounting for 28.2% of imports in value terms (about 123.7 million US dollars). Whiskey formed the basis of the country's exports. France is the second largest supplier of alcoholic beverages to Thailand with a volume of supplies in 2023 at the level of 5.0 thousand tons of products (mainly alcoholic tinctures obtained by distillation of grape wine or grape pomace and grape wines) in the amount of 81.0 million US dollars (18.5% of imports). Australia exported significant volumes — 8.0 thousand tons worth 40.4 million US dollars (9.2% of the total supply structure), the basis of the country's exports were grape wines. In total, the 10 largest supplier countries provided 88.3% of the value of Thailand's alcoholic beverage imports.
In 2023, there was an increase in alcohol exports to Thailand from the UK — by 12.1% in volume terms (+1.3 thousand tons) and by 21.4% in value (+21.8 million US dollars), Vietnam — by 21.8% (5.1 thousand tons) and 25.2% (+7.9 million US dollars), respectively. Meanwhile, in 2023, exports from Japan decreased by 42.9% in volume terms (-1.6 thousand tons) and by 30.6% in value (-4.4 million US dollars).
In 2023, Thailand imported 155.5 thousand tons of fat and oil products worth 298.9 million US dollars. The volume of imports of this product category decreased relative to 2022 by 9.2% in volume terms (-15.7 thousand tons) and by 22.5% in value (-86.7 million US dollars). In 2019-2023, the supply of fat and oil products to Thailand decreased by 3.9% per year in volume terms and grew by 5.0% per year in value terms.
Margarine (29.0% of the import value or 86.7 million US dollars), as well as animal and vegetable oils and fats (28.6% or 85.4 million US dollars) occupied almost equal shares in the structure of imports of fat and oil products in Thailand in 2023. In 2023, the major import categories of Thai fat and oil products were sunflower oil (13.4% or 40.0 million US dollars) and olive oil (9.1% or 27.3 million US dollars). In total, these types of agricultural products accounted for 80.1% of the import value of the category.
In comparison with 2022, the largest increase was noted in imports of palm kernel oil and babassu oil — deliveries of these products in 2023 amounted to 5.0 thousand tons in the amount of 4.4 million US dollars. At the same time, imports of animal and vegetable oils and fats decreased significantly — by 18.2% in volume terms (-11.2 thousand tons) and by 31.7% in value (-39.6 million US dollars), coconut oil — by 57.6% (-6.9 thousand tons) and by 73.1% (-14.7 million US dollars), respectively.
Among the largest exporting countries of fat and oil products to Thailand in 2023, Malaysia took the leading position, accounting for 33.2% of the value of imports (99.3 million US dollars). Margarine formed the basis of the country's exports. The second largest supplier to Thailand is Indonesia (25.7% of the value of imports) with a volume of deliveries in 2023 at the level of 54.9 thousand tons of products (mainly animal and vegetable oils and fats) in the amount of 76.8 million US dollars. In total, the top 10 countries accounted for 91.7% of the value of imports of fat and oil products from Thailand.
The largest increase in 2023 was observed in supplies from Turkey — exports increased by 52.2% in volume terms (+2.3 thousand tons). At the same time, there was a significant reduction in supplies from Indonesia — by 16.3% in volume terms (-10.7 thousand tons) and by 35.0% in value (-41.4 million US dollars), Singapore — by 38.4% (-2.1 thousand tons) and by 45.5% (-6.8 million US dollars), as well as Australia — by 80.6% (-1.9 thousand tons) and by 50.6% (-5.9 million US dollars), respectively.
In 2023, Thailand imported more than 98.9 thousand tons of soft drinks worth 112.5 million US dollars. In comparison with 2022, the volume of imports of these products increased by 5.2% in volume terms (+4.9 thousand tons) and by 3.4% in value (+3.7 million US dollars). At the same time, in 2020-2023, the volume of soft drinks supplies was twice as low as in 2019.
In the structure of Thailand's soft drinks imports, fruit and vegetable juices accounted for the largest share in 2023 (57.8% in value terms). Non-alcoholic beverages, except water and juices, and water without sugar and additives in 2023 provided 29.1% and 13.0% of supplies, respectively. In 2023, Thailand saw an increase in purchases of sugar—free water and additives by 34.1% in volume terms (+4.0 thousand tons) and by 39.2% in value (+4.1 million US dollars), non-alcoholic beverages, except water and juices, by 7.3% (+3.2 thousand tons) and by 3.7% (+1.2 million US dollars), respectively.
The largest exporter of soft drinks to Thailand in 2023 was Israel, which accounted for 20.4% of the value of imports of these products (22.9 million US dollars). The second main producer of imported products is China (10.7% of the value of imports) with a volume of deliveries in 2023 at the level of 13.5 thousand tons of products (12.0 million US dollars). Fruit and vegetable juices formed the basis of supplies from Israel and China. Thailand also bought non—alcoholic beverages (mainly water without sugar and additives) in France in significant volumes - 8.6 thousand tons worth 10.0 million US dollars (8.9% of imports in value terms). In total, the top 10 countries accounted for 73.4% of Thailand's imports of soft drinks and juices in value terms.
Deliveries from France, Indonesia and Spain increased most noticeably in 2023. French exports of soft drinks to Thailand increased by 43.3% (+2.6 thousand tons) in volume terms and by 45.2% (+3.1 million US dollars) in value. Indonesia increased exports of soft drinks to Thailand by 35.1% (+1.7 thousand tons) and 36.4% (+2.0 million US dollars), Spain — by 24.8% (+358.0 tons) and 34.3% (+1.0 million US dollars), respectively. At the same time, shipments from the Republic of Korea decreased significantly — by 31.6% in volume terms (-1.1 thousand tons) and by 38.7% in value (-2.8 million US dollars), as well as the United States — by 19.0% (-338.0 tons) and by 32.2% (-1.9 million US dollars), respectively.
Exports of agricultural products of Thailand in 2023 amounted to 44.1 billion US dollars, which is 2.8% or 1.2 billion US dollars above the level of 2022. In 2019-2023, Thai exports of agricultural goods increased by an average of 5.6% per year in value terms.
The main agricultural exports of Thailand in 2023 were rice (11.6% or 5.1 billion US dollars), fresh durian (9.2% or 4.1 billion US dollars), as well as beet and cane sugar (7.7% or 3.4 billion US dollars). In total, Thailand's 10 most demanded types of agricultural products on the world market accounted for 58.5% of the country's agricultural exports.
In value terms, exports of Thai rice increased most noticeably in 2023 (+28.8% or +1.1 billion US dollars), fresh durian (+29.5% or +928.0 million US dollars), beet and cane sugar (+11.5% or +352.2 million US dollars). Meanwhile, there was a significant decrease in the country's exports of dog and cat food (-14.8% or -359.9 million US dollars), root crops and tubers with a high starch or inulin content (-22.9% or -341.7 million US dollars), as well as starch (-16.5% or -292.7 million US dollars).
The largest importer of agricultural products from Thailand in 2023 was China, which accounted for 26.1% of the kingdom's exports in value terms. The top three buyers of Thai agricultural products also included Japan (9.8%) and the United States (9.0%). A total of 10 major importing countries in 2023 provided 68.4% of Thailand's agricultural exports.
The largest increase in the volume of purchases of Thai agricultural products in 2019-2023 was observed in China (2.1 times or +6.1 billion US dollars), Indonesia (+45.3% or +690.9 million US dollars), Malaysia (+51.5% or +617.1 million US dollars) and the Philippines (+66.6% or +502.5 million USD). At the same time, Thailand's exports to Vietnam decreased significantly in 2019-2023 (-42.0% or -815.5 million US dollars).
