Thailand Leads ASEAN in Dairy Exports, Achieves Impressive Growth

Thailand Tops Dairy Export Charts in ASEAN

Thailand has established itself as the top exporter of dairy products in ASEAN, achieving a remarkable 11.5% export growth in 2024. This success translates to a total export value of $582 million (19.623 billion baht), as announced by Suchart Chomklin, Deputy Minister of Commerce, on February 5, 2025.

Substantial Growth in Key Markets

The surge was especially pronounced in six primary markets: Malaysia (64.3%), Vietnam (30.4%), Indonesia (27.1%), Singapore (20.1%), the Philippines (19%), and Myanmar (14.6%).

Impact of ASEAN Free Trade Agreements

Thailand's dairy products benefit significantly from zero tariffs under the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), with high-demand items such as yogurt, UHT milk, and drinking yogurt leading the charge.

Opportunities for Further Expansion

Thailand maintains its place as a key player within ASEAN by leveraging competitive pricing and favorable logistics backed by free trade agreements. Deputy Minister Chomklin urges Thai businesses to capitalize on these agreements to tap further into markets with high dairy consumption potential, including Cambodia, Malaysia, Laos, Singapore, and the Philippines.

New Frontiers: Global FTA Negotiations

Thailand is also eyeing new opportunities in Africa and South America. The country aims to conclude FTA negotiations with South Korea and the ASEAN-Canada FTA by 2025, which could further enhance its global trade footprint.