Ginger market in Thailand

Earlier Report Observations

The Thai ginger market volume showed considerable movement from 2018 to 2023. In 2018, ginger was widely cultivated with expanding harvest areas and increasing yields, while the industry began processing ginger into value-added products like pickled and sliced ginger for export, notably to Japan. The following year, the domestic market volume jumped sharply to 167.7 thousand tons, largely because export volumes fell to a very low level.

Market volume then entered a period of contraction. The COVID-19 pandemic boosted demand for health-promoting herbs like ginger in international markets, particularly the United States, which helped sustain Thai export volumes from 2021 onward. Concurrently, the domestic market faced price volatility, with some growing areas experiencing low prices against high production costs.

From 2022, the industry's focus shifted toward quality and market development. Efforts promoted safe cultivation and the use of technology to increase yields, while new processed products such as sugar-free candied ginger were developed to meet health-conscious demand. In 2023, major processors obtained GMP and HACCP certifications, reinforcing product quality, and distribution channels expanded both domestically and internationally, supporting continued exports to Japan and other ASEAN markets.

Production ginger in Thailand

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

Top producers of ginger, 2017-2020

World map of production of ginger, 2017-2020

Thailand's ginger production volume grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 176.0 K t of ginger, marking a 1.9% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 4.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Thailand's ginger production value rebounded. In 2020, ginger output was valued at 176.4 M $ US, representing a robust 23.4% increase from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 18.4%, with a CAGR of -6.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 142.9 M $ US, which saw the largest decline of 28.8%.

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

Exports ginger from Thailand

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced significant fluctuations during this period. From 2017 to 2019, exports varied dramatically, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 16 times. In 2020, Thailand's ginger exports reached 60 941 t, surging by 1 064.4% compared to the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 234 t, which saw the largest decline of 92.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Pakistan, Japan, and China were the main markets for Thailand's ginger exports in volume terms. Pakistan accounted for 63.5% of exports, Japan for 14.2%, and China for 6.4%, together representing 84.1% 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

Market behavior was volatile during these years. The highest export value was recorded in 2017, while the lowest occurred in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 25 times. In 2020, Thailand exported 61.1 M $ US worth of ginger, a dramatic increase of 1 310.1% compared to 2019. The minimum value was 4.3 M $ US in 2019, which saw the largest decline of 95.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan and Japan together accounted for 84.8% of Thailand's total ginger exports in value terms, with the remaining flows distributed thinly across other markets.

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

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

Imports ginger to Thailand

Imports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout this timeframe. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020, while the lowest was in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 70 times. In 2020, Thailand imported 11 204 t of ginger, a steep increase of 6 891.7% compared to the previous year. The minimum volume was 160 t in 2019, which saw the largest decline of 96.2%.

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

In 2017-2020, China dominated Thailand's ginger imports in volume terms, accounting for 81.5% of total flows, while the remaining share was split among various smaller destinations.

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

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Import values reached their maximum in 2020 and dropped to a minimum in 2019, a 35-fold shift. In 2020, Thailand's ginger imports amounted to 8.3 M $ US, up by 3 360.3% compared to 2019. The lowest value was 0.2 M $ US in 2019, which saw the largest decline of 91.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical pattern of imports in value terms was characterized by China's strong dominance, with a share reaching 82.6% of total flows, while other partners held relatively minor shares.

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

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