Surge in Thai Ice Cream Exports Solidifies Regional Leadership
Thailand secures its position as the top ice cream exporter in Asia and the fourth globally, buoyed by robust trade agreements and growing international demand.
Thai ice cream has gained significant recognition as a premier export product, according to Anukool Pruksanusak, Deputy Spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister.
The product’s popularity has notably increased among various consumer demographics, particularly during the summer months.
Despite facing challenges in global trade, Thailand's ice cream export sector has demonstrated consistent growth and adaptability.
As of now, Thailand ranks as Asia's leading ice cream exporter and stands fourth globally, following the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Between 2020 and 2024, the country exported an average of approximately US$106 million worth of ice cream annually, achieving an average growth rate of 11% per year.
In the first two months of 2025, ice cream exports reached US$22 million, representing a 3% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
A significant factor in this export success is Thailand's extensive network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), which facilitate reduced tariff barriers and broaden market access.
Currently, Thailand has established 14 FTAs with 18 countries, including partner nations within ASEAN, as well as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India, Peru, Chile, and Hong Kong.
Notably, 17 of these countries offer tariff-free access for Thai ice cream products, with Japan being the exception due to an import tax ranging from 21% to 29.8%.
In the early months of 2025, exports to FTA partner countries amounted to US$20 million, making up 87% of all Thai ice cream exports, which reflects a 4% increase over the previous year.
ASEAN continues to be the largest market for Thai ice cream, experiencing overall growth of 9%.
Specific countries within this region reported significant export increases, including:
- Malaysia: +9%
- Philippines: +70%
- Vietnam: +41%
- South Korea: +9%
- Australia: +32%
- Hong Kong: +116%
- Japan: +827%
Looking towards the future, Anukool expressed optimism regarding the sustained expansion of Thailand’s ice cream industry due to the country's strong production capacity, access to quality raw materials, and the competitive advantages presented by FTA arrangements.
These attributes are expected to reinforce Thailand's role as a central hub for ice cream production and export within Asia.
Many leading global ice cream manufacturers have already made investments in Thailand in light of these developments.
The product’s popularity has notably increased among various consumer demographics, particularly during the summer months.
Despite facing challenges in global trade, Thailand's ice cream export sector has demonstrated consistent growth and adaptability.
As of now, Thailand ranks as Asia's leading ice cream exporter and stands fourth globally, following the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Between 2020 and 2024, the country exported an average of approximately US$106 million worth of ice cream annually, achieving an average growth rate of 11% per year.
In the first two months of 2025, ice cream exports reached US$22 million, representing a 3% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
A significant factor in this export success is Thailand's extensive network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), which facilitate reduced tariff barriers and broaden market access.
Currently, Thailand has established 14 FTAs with 18 countries, including partner nations within ASEAN, as well as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India, Peru, Chile, and Hong Kong.
Notably, 17 of these countries offer tariff-free access for Thai ice cream products, with Japan being the exception due to an import tax ranging from 21% to 29.8%.
In the early months of 2025, exports to FTA partner countries amounted to US$20 million, making up 87% of all Thai ice cream exports, which reflects a 4% increase over the previous year.
ASEAN continues to be the largest market for Thai ice cream, experiencing overall growth of 9%.
Specific countries within this region reported significant export increases, including:
- Malaysia: +9%
- Philippines: +70%
- Vietnam: +41%
- South Korea: +9%
- Australia: +32%
- Hong Kong: +116%
- Japan: +827%
Looking towards the future, Anukool expressed optimism regarding the sustained expansion of Thailand’s ice cream industry due to the country's strong production capacity, access to quality raw materials, and the competitive advantages presented by FTA arrangements.
These attributes are expected to reinforce Thailand's role as a central hub for ice cream production and export within Asia.
Many leading global ice cream manufacturers have already made investments in Thailand in light of these developments.
