Asparagus market in Thailand

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the domestic market for fresh asparagus in Thailand grew from 21 869 t to 23 074 t. This expansion was supported by a broadening export market to partners like Japan, the EU, and Taiwan, alongside farmers adopting improved cultivation techniques such as raised beds and sprinkler systems to boost yields. In 2019, the introduction of new high-yield asparagus varieties meeting export standards and a shift toward organic farming further strengthened production capacity.

The market volume dipped to 21 932 t in 2020 due to a slight production decrease and higher exports, but recovered to 22 312 t in 2021. This rebound was driven by the entry of new small-scale farmers growing asparagus for both local and export sales, coupled with more efficient distribution and marketing channels, including online sales and direct-to-consumer delivery.

A significant market rise to 23 222 t occurred in 2022, primarily because a sharp drop in exports followed the tightening of export regulations and quality standards, which required producers to adapt their processes. Government promotion of asparagus cultivation across various Thai regions also supported production. In 2023, the market eased to 22 379 t as production moderated slightly and exports recovered.

Production asparagus in Thailand

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Thailand ranked 9th globally in asparagus production.

Top producers of asparagus, 2017-2020

World map of production of asparagus, 2017-2020

In 2020, Thailand produced 24 108 tonnes of asparagus, marking a 1.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 3.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.2%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, with a 3.1% reduction, while 2019 saw the largest increase at 1.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Thailand in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports asparagus from Thailand

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Thailand exported 2 187 tonnes of asparagus, representing a substantial 54.7% increase from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 timeframe, exports overall decreased by 3.4%, averaging a 1.2% annual decline. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 413 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 2 373 tonnes. The sharpest year-on-year decline was in 2019, when exports fell by 40.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Thailand in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Asia, not elsewhere specified, was the dominant destination for Thailand's asparagus exports, accounting for 75.2% of total export volume. The remaining exports were distributed among various smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Thailand in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The export value of asparagus from Thailand showed significant volatility between 2017 and 2020. In 2020, exports reached 4 215 thousand US dollars, a sharp increase of 181.7% compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 496 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 5 459 thousand US dollars. The most dramatic decline occurred in 2019, with a 72.6% drop. Overall, export values peaked in 2018 and hit their lowest point in 2019, representing a 3.6-fold difference between these two years.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Thailand in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, South Korea, Japan, and Asia, not elsewhere specified, were the key markets for Thailand's asparagus exports in value terms. South Korea accounted for 21.1% of export value, Japan for 16.8%, and Asia, not elsewhere specified for 14.9%. Together, these three destinations made up 52.8% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Thailand in value, 2017-2020

Imports asparagus to Thailand

Imports in kind, t

Thailand's asparagus imports experienced notable fluctuations from 2017 to 2020. In 2020, imports totaled 11 tonnes, a dramatic 691.4% increase from the previous year. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at just 1 tonne. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, with a 93.3% drop. Import levels varied widely, with a 58-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Thailand in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Laos, and France were the primary sources of asparagus imports to Thailand. China supplied 48.1% of import volume, Laos 31.1%, and France 7.3%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 86.4% of Thailand's total asparagus imports by volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Thailand in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of asparagus imports into Thailand showed considerable instability from 2017 to 2020. In 2020, import value stood at 96 thousand US dollars, a sharp rise of 371.1% from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 20 thousand US dollars. The most pronounced decline occurred in 2019, with a 63.8% decrease. Import values fluctuated significantly, with a 7.1-fold difference between the peak in 2017 and the trough in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Thailand in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Laos emerged as the leading sources of asparagus imports to Thailand in value terms. Germany accounted for 18.6% of import value, France for 18.5%, and Laos for 17.9%. Together, these three countries represented 55.0% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Thailand in value, 2017-2020