Citrus fruit market in Thailand

Earlier Report Observations

Thailand's citrus fruit market volume increased from 2 359 thousand tons in 2018 to 2 460 thousand tons in 2020. Production rose in 2019, a year that saw the introduction of a ban on three agricultural chemicals—paraquat, chlorpyrifos, and glyphosate—which altered farming practices for citrus growers. The market's growth in 2020 was primarily driven by a sharp rise in imports, which reached 121 thousand tons.

Market expansion continued, peaking at 2 599 thousand tons in 2022. This growth coincided with strong export demand from China, where a growing retail fruit market and promotional events like the Thai festival in Shandong province boosted shipments. Thai fresh fruit exports to China exceeded 1 million tons in the first half of 2022, stimulating domestic citrus production and export volumes.

By 2023, the market volume stabilized at 2 585 thousand tons, with a marginal decrease from the previous year's high. Production also saw a slight reduction to 2 539 thousand tons as export activity moderated.

Production citrus fruit in Thailand

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Thailand ranked as the 21st largest producer of citrus fruit from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, Thailand's citrus fruit production volume declined. In 2020, the country produced 2 371 thousand tons of citrus fruit, representing a slight decrease of 0.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 6.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2 388 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 4.1%.

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

Exports citrus fruit from Thailand

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2017, with a 14-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Thailand's foreign citrus fruit supplies amounted to 31.9 thousand tons, marking a sharp increase of 973.7% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 3.0 thousand tons, which also experienced the largest decline of 89.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the principal destinations for Thailand's citrus fruit exports in volume terms were Vietnam (40.2% of exports), China (31.0% of exports), and Hong Kong (10.0% of exports). Together, these three markets accounted for 81.2% of total export flows.

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, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports in value terms hit their lowest point in 2019 and reached their maximum in 2020, with a 10.7-fold swing between these years. In 2020, Thailand exported 32.5 million US dollars worth of citrus fruit, representing a dramatic year-on-year increase of 966.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 3.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 84.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for Thailand's citrus fruit exports in value terms were China (44.2% of exports), Vietnam (17.3% of exports), and Hong Kong (16.1% of exports). This cluster of markets collectively accounted for 77.5% of total export 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 citrus fruit to Thailand

Imports in kind, K t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with an 18-fold change between these years. In 2020, the volume of citrus fruit imports into Thailand stood at 120.5 thousand tons, which is 1,745.3% higher than the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 6.5 thousand tons, which also experienced the largest decline of 93.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the dominant source for Thailand's citrus fruit imports in volume terms, accounting for 86.0% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among a fragmented group of other markets.

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, M $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Imports in value terms reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, showing a 17-fold swing. In 2020, the value of citrus fruit imports into Thailand reached 107.1 million US dollars, marking an abrupt increase of 1,568.5% from the year before. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 6.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 92.5%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, China was the dominant destination for Thailand's citrus fruit imports in value terms, accounting for 79.7% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among a number of smaller markets.

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

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