Tomato market in Thailand

Earlier Report Observations

Thailand's fresh tomato market volume grew from 121.9 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 139.7 thousand tonnes in 2023. This expansion was initially supported by rising health consciousness among consumers, which increased demand for fresh produce, and by efforts to organize farmer groups in regions like Chiang Mai to improve market access. The development of online wholesale platforms further broadened distribution, helping to lift volumes.

In 2020, the market stabilized at 126.5 thousand tonnes after unusually hot and rainy weather impacted yields and quality. Growth resumed strongly from 2021, aided by a significant recovery in tomato exports and the continued consumer shift toward healthier foods. The subsequent introduction of new varieties, such as the yellow cherry tomato SH 9133, along with the promotion of stricter Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) standards, supported both quality improvements and market expansion.

By 2023, the market reached 139.7 thousand tonnes, reflecting sustained production growth and effective supply chain development, including ongoing online market penetration and responsive farming practices.

Production tomato in Thailand

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of tomato, 2017-2020

World map of production of tomato, 2017-2020

Thailand's tomato production saw a decline after two consecutive years of growth. In 2020, production reached 126.9 thousand tons, showing a slight year-on-year decrease of 0.8%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 3.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 127.9 thousand tons, which also marked the largest annual increase of 3.5%.

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

Exports tomato from Thailand

Exports in kind, t

Thailand's tomato exports declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 1 038 tons, representing a sharp 44.5% drop compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 34.9%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 13.3%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 304 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 44.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Laos, Myanmar, and Singapore were the main buyers of Thai tomatoes, accounting for 43.0%, 23.3%, and 13.8% of export volume respectively. Together, these three countries represented 80.1% of Thailand's total tomato exports by volume.

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

Thailand's tomato export value also declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 499.1 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant 21.8% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, export value dropped by 38.8%, with an annualized decline of 15.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 949.0 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 16.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 32.8% drop.

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

In terms of value, Myanmar, Laos, and Singapore were the leading buyers of Thai tomatoes from 2017 to 2020, accounting for 32.6%, 32.1%, and 14.6% of export value respectively. Combined, these three markets represented 79.4% of Thailand's total tomato export value.

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

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

Imports tomato to Thailand

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed considerable volatility during this period. The lowest point was recorded in 2018 at 635 tons, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 1 091 tons, representing a 1.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 694 tons, marking a 36.4% decrease from the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 71.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Malaysia, and New Zealand were the primary suppliers of tomatoes to Thailand, accounting for 51.8%, 12.1%, and 1.9% of import volume respectively. Together, these three countries supplied 65.9% of Thailand's total tomato imports by 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

After two years of growth, Thailand's tomato import value declined. In 2020, imports amounted to approximately 319.0 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp 43.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 28.3%, with an average annual decline of 10.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 567.3 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 24.0%.

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

In value terms, China, New Zealand, and Japan were the main suppliers of tomatoes to Thailand from 2017 to 2020, accounting for 31.2%, 24.4%, and 7.8% of import value respectively. Combined, these three countries represented 63.4% of Thailand's total tomato import value.

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

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