The office director-general, Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, indicated that mango holds economic importance for Thailand due to its distinct taste and species. Thai mango has gained traction in the global market, with South Korea emerging as the primary export destination, followed by Malaysia.
In 2024, Thailand exported fresh mangos valued at 2.93 billion baht to South Korea, marking a 132.7% increase year on year. This growth is attributed to the South Korean government's policy to expand import quotas and reduce tariffs on tropical fruits, aiming to alleviate consumer costs and address product shortages.
Thai mango pricing benefited from South Korea's decision to waive the previous 30% import tariff. South Korean consumer habits, including the preference for fresh fruits after meals, and the social media trend of mango sticky rice, have contributed to positive perceptions of Thai mangos.
South Korea is expected to import more Thai fruits, including mangos, avocados, and bananas. Malaysia remains a market for Thai mangos due to the popularity of fresh fruit consumption and mango shakes. Japan's demand for fresh mangos is rising with healthcare trends and dessert processing.
The Commerce Ministry is actively promoting fruit exports through initiatives such as border trade fairs, soft power promotion policies, and fruit business matching. Poonpong stated, "Thai fruits are recognized by South Koreans as high-quality premium products. If Thailand can maintain the quality of its products, it will help boost consumer confidence and opportunities to expand the market."
Negotiations with South Korea on the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) are underway, potentially enhancing Thai fruit exports.
Source: The Nation