Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) and spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, announced that Thailand's agricultural and agro-industrial exports for 2024 totaled approximately $52.19 billion (THB 1.8358 trillion), reflecting a 5.9% increase from the previous year.

This sum includes agricultural products valued at $28.83 billion (THB 1.0146 trillion), which is a 7.5% increase, and agro-industrial products totaling $23.36 billion (THB 821.21 billion), marking a 4.1% rise.

Thailand's reputation as the "Kitchen of the World" is reinforced by its dominant position in several key agricultural exports.

Among the top products ranked by global export market share, cassava starch emerged as a significant contributor, with exports reaching $1.61 billion, an 8.86% increase year-on-year.

This accounted for 57% of the global cassava starch market, valued at approximately $2.83 billion, despite a global market contraction of 2.59%.

Durian exports amounted to $3.82 billion, representing a 5.87% decrease from the previous year.

Thailand maintained a 54.2% share of the global durian market, which expanded to $7.04 billion, reflecting a growth of 7.27%.

However, the decline in Thai durian exports indicates potential challenges in sustaining its leadership in this sector.

In the segment of fresh or dried coconuts, exports totaled $226.2 million, down 23.68% from the previous year.

Thailand's share of the global coconut export market, which increased 12.19% to $607.6 million, was 37.2%.

This suggests a need for strategies to regain ground in this competitive market.

Thailand's export of natural rubber reached $4.97 billion, showcasing a robust growth of 37.26% year-on-year.

The country captured a 31.3% share of the global rubber market, which was valued at $15.89 billion, reflecting a notable growth of 26.13%.

Canned pineapple exports were reported at $325.6 million, a 7.14% increase from the previous year.

Thailand secured a 30.8% share of the global canned pineapple export market, valued at approximately $1.06 billion, as global exports grew by 5.86%.

Processed chicken exports reached $2.94 billion, an 8.12% increase, allowing Thailand to hold a 25.6% share of the global market, which totaled $11.46 billion.

Global growth in this category was recorded at 6.07%, indicating continued demand for Thai poultry.

Canned tuna exports surged to $2.49 billion, a significant 20.15% increase year-on-year.

Thailand's share of the global canned tuna market was 25.5%, valued at $9.76 billion, surpassing the global growth rate of 15.04%.

Exports of tapioca-based products (dextrins and modified starches) amounted to $944.5 million, with a modest increase of 2.32%.

Thailand's share of this market declined to 20.9%, while the global market faced a decrease of 3.9% to $4.51 billion.

The export of dried, salted, brined, or smoked shrimp and crayfish was valued at $49.5 million, marking an 18.42% increase.

This accounted for 19.7% of the global market, which saw a contraction of 3.08% to $251.5 million.

Conversely, exports of fresh or chilled shrimp and crayfish fell by 3.11% to $90.4 million; Thailand maintained a 17.7% share of a global market valued at $511.2 million, which declined by 1.45%.

Despite the growth in overall agricultural and agro-industrial exports, certain categories have experienced significant declines.

Whole coconuts (in shell) exports decreased sharply by 38.94% to $92.2 million, resulting in a 27.1% share of the global market valued at $339.8 million, positioning Thailand second after Indonesia.

Exports of fresh cassava roots and pellets saw a dramatic decline of 57.65%, totaling $480 million, with Thailand's share falling to 24.9% of a global market (valued at $1.93 billion), now led by Cambodia.

Further, cassava flour exports dropped to $25.5 million, down 14.48% from the previous year, with a reduced market share of 19.1%, closely following Peru's 19.2%.

Poonpong reiterated the importance of agricultural and agro-industrial products to Thailand's economy, underscoring the need for enhancements in yield, product standards, and exploration of new markets, particularly in light of recent declines in key exports.