Castor seeds market in Thailand

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the castor seeds market in Thailand grew from 12 168 t to 13 250 t. This increase in 2020 coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which spurred innovations in agriculture and led to a sharp rise in food delivery services, boosting demand for agricultural products. Favorable weather conditions during that period also supported higher crop yields.

In 2021, the market volume fell to 12 081 t, partly reflecting intensified global agricultural competition and a stronger Thai baht, which reduced the attractiveness of imports. That same year, Chia Tai, a major seed producer, entered the market with high-quality seeds, altering the supply structure. By 2022, the market stabilized at around 12 098 t amid changes in seed import-export control policies and the ongoing impact of the pandemic on supply chains.

In 2023, the market expanded to 12 384 t, primarily driven by increased imports of 384 t, while domestic production remained steady at 12 000 t.

Production castor seeds in Thailand

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand maintained the 6th position globally in castor seed production volume.

Top producers of castor seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of castor seeds, 2017-2020

In 2020, Thailand produced 12 000 tonnes of castor seeds, showing no significant change compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 9.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 12 000 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 0.0% change, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 9.1%.

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

Exports castor seeds from Thailand

Exports in kind, t

In 2018, Thailand exported 0.0 tonnes of castor seeds, marking a year-over-year increase of 757.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong was the dominant and nearly exclusive destination for Thailand's castor seed exports in kind, accounting for 96.4% of the total.

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

In 2018, castor seed deliveries from Thailand reached 1.0 thousand US dollars, representing a 33 622.4% increase compared to 2017.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Hong Kong played a dominant role in Thailand's castor seed exports in value terms, consistently making up 99.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports castor seeds to Thailand

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Thailand imported 1 250 tonnes of castor seeds, which is 1.4% higher than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 655.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 96.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India (61.5% of imports in kind), Pakistan (17.5%), and Tanzania (15.2%) together accounted for 94.2% of Thailand's total castor seed imports in kind, establishing them as the main sources.

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

In 2020, Thailand's castor seed imports amounted to 706.0 thousand US dollars, indicating a strong increase of 11.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 653.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 96.1%.

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

During 2017–2020, three key markets—India, Pakistan, and Tanzania—collectively absorbed 92.4% of Thailand's total castor seed imports in value terms.

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

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