Fresh papayas market in Thailand

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the fresh papaya market in Thailand experienced volatility influenced by economic conditions and production shifts. In 2018, an economic slowdown heavily impacted the hotel and restaurant sector, a key customer base, leading to a contraction in market volume. By 2019, farmgate prices surged to a 30-year high, reflecting constrained supply and heightened investment interest in papaya cultivation. The market rebounded in 2020, supported by the strategic adoption of the Red Lady variety, where progressive farmers studied demand before planting, and received technical support from local agricultural offices.

Between 2021 and 2023, the market underwent further adjustment. In 2021, production became unstable as numerous new and experienced growers faced cultivation challenges and subsequently abandoned their crops, leading to a slight decrease in market volume. The following year, growing consumer focus on health and nutrition supported demand for papaya, but this was offset by inflationary pressures and higher living costs which made consumers more value-conscious. By 2023, these countervailing forces resulted in market volume stabilization.

Production fresh papayas in Thailand

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, Thailand ranked as the 12th largest producer of fresh papayas during the period from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of fresh papayas, 2017-2020

World map of production of fresh papayas, 2017-2020

In 2020, Thailand produced 163.0 thousand tons of fresh papayas, representing a 3.3% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 157.8 thousand tons, while the highest was in 2018 at 165.8 thousand tons. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 4.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Thailand's fresh papaya production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 269.5 million US dollars, marking a substantial reduction of 18.8% from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 24.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 8.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 358.6 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 0.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Thailand in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports fresh papayas from Thailand

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2017, with a difference of 12.9 times between these years. In 2020, Thailand exported 1 215 tons of fresh papayas, reflecting a dramatic increase of 695.9% compared to the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 153 tons, and the largest decline occurred that year with an 81.0% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—China, the United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong—collectively accounted for 63.9% of Thailand's total fresh papaya exports in volume terms.

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

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Export values varied significantly, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 13.2 times from the high in 2017 to the low in 2019. In 2020, Thailand's cross-border shipments of fresh papayas reached 2 010 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp year-on-year gain of 525.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 321 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred that year with an 81.5% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for Thailand's fresh papaya exports in value terms were the United Arab Emirates (29.8% of exports), China (20.2% of exports), and Hong Kong (8.0% of exports), together accounting for 58.0% 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 fresh papayas to Thailand

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import volumes bottomed in 2019 and peaked in 2018, with a 31-fold difference between these years. In 2019, Thailand imported 4 tons of fresh papayas, indicating a steep decline of 96.8% from the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 108 tons, and the largest increase occurred that year with a 41.3% rise.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Laos was the primary partner for Thailand's fresh papaya imports in volume terms, accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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 data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values reached their lowest point in 2019 and their highest in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 32 times. In 2019, Thailand's fresh papaya imports were recorded at 1 thousand US dollars, constituting a fall of 96.9% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 17 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred that year with a 41.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Laos was the almost exclusive supplier of fresh papayas to Thailand, accounting for 100.0% of total 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