Lettuce and chicory market in Thailand

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2024, the Thai lettuce and chicory market volume fluctuated, starting at 39,544 t before dipping in 2019. It then entered a phase of sustained expansion, climbing from 41,186 t in 2020 to a peak of 56,282 t in 2023. This growth occurred despite stable domestic production around 32,000 t, as a sharp increase in imports, which more than tripled between 2021 and 2023, became the primary driver of market expansion.

By 2023, a significant rise in exports of fresh Thai vegetables to Taiwan, which grew 8.1% year-on-year, underscored strengthening international demand for the country's produce. The following year, the market was further shaped by the growing cultivation of organic vegetables, exemplified by a model farm in Nong Bua Lamphu province, and the development of 24/7 online wholesale platforms like Simummuang Online, which improved distribution channels and market access for farmers and traders.

Underpinning this period of growth was a marked shift in domestic consumer behavior, with rising demand for high-quality and pesticide-safe fresh vegetables. This trend supported both increased consumption and import volumes, contributing to the record market size observed in 2023.

Production lettuce and chicory in Thailand

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

World map of production of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

Thailand's lettuce and chicory production has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 32 243 tonnes, marking a 1.1% year-on-year rise. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of lettuce and chicory production in Thailand was 14 715 thousand US dollars, showing a significant decrease of 21.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 21.7%, with an average annual decline of 7.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 15.3%.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from Thailand

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed an unstable trend during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 523 tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 2 509 tonnes, representing a 4.8-fold difference. In 2020, Thailand's lettuce and chicory exports surged by 379.6% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 40.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Malaysia, Singapore, and Myanmar were the core markets for Thailand's lettuce and chicory exports in volume terms. Malaysia accounted for 65.5% of exports, Singapore for 12.9%, and Myanmar for 9.3%, together making up 87.7% 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, K $ US

The market showed volatility over the observed period. Exports in value terms hit a low in 2019 at 307 thousand US dollars and a high in 2020 at 1 145 thousand US dollars, with a 3.7-fold difference. In 2020, Thailand's lettuce and chicory exports increased sharply by 272.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2019, at 31.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Malaysia, Singapore, and Myanmar remained the key markets for Thailand's lettuce and chicory exports in value terms, collectively accounting for 78.8% 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 lettuce and chicory to Thailand

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during this timeframe. Imports bottomed out in 2019 at 5 964 tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 11 452 tonnes, a 1.9-fold increase. In 2020, Thailand's lettuce and chicory imports rose sharply by 92.0% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 32.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the primary source for lettuce and chicory imports into Thailand, accounting for 100.0% of total import 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 market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Import values reached their lowest point in 2019 at 2 074 thousand US dollars and their highest in 2020 at 4 914 thousand US dollars, varying by 2.4 times. In 2020, Thailand's lettuce and chicory import value increased steeply by 136.9% from 2019. The largest decline was in 2019, at 42.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was almost the exclusive supplier of lettuce and chicory to Thailand in value terms, absorbing 95.9% of total imports.

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

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