Under the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA), Thailand is granted a tariff exemption for up to 8,000 tonnes of bananas, a quota that is nearing its limit. Thai trade representative Narumon Pinyosinwat disclosed the potential for requesting an expansion of this quota to 100,000 tonnes once the initial limit is reached. During discussions with Ryosuke Ogawa, Vice-Minister for International Affairs at Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Ogawa indicated Japan's openness to considering the quota increase.
The discussions also touched on the quality of Thai fruits, with Ogawa acknowledging their good flavour, despite not having tried the Thai Hom Tong bananas specifically. Furthermore, Narumon extended an invitation to Japan to participate in the upcoming International Horticultural Expo in Udon Thani province, Thailand, in 2026, seeking support from both the public and private sectors in Japan. The meeting concluded with Narumon expressing gratitude towards the MAFF for permitting the import of Thai mangosteen without the need for a steaming process.
Source: thaipbsworld.com