BANGKOK — Thailand’s ice cream industry is enjoying a sweet rise on the global stage, emerging as Asia’s top exporter and the fourth-largest worldwide, according to government figures released this week.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukool Pruksanusak announced that Thai ice cream exports averaged US$106 million annually between 2020 and 2024, growing at a robust 11% per year. The nation now trails only the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom in global ice cream export rankings.
In the first two months of 2025 alone, exports reached US$22 million—an increase of 3% compared to the same period last year—showcasing Thailand’s resilience amid global trade uncertainties. Anukool attributed the success to a combination of high-quality production, competitive market strategies, and a strong network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
Currently, Thailand holds 14 FTAs covering 18 countries, including major markets such as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and ASEAN member states. Seventeen of these countries now offer tariff-free access for Thai ice cream, with Japan as the sole exception, imposing import taxes of 21% to 29.8%.
FTA partner nations accounted for 87% of Thai ice cream exports in the first two months of 2025, totaling US$20 million—up 4% from the same period last year. ASEAN remains Thailand’s largest export market, with notable growth seen in:
Philippines: +70%
Vietnam: +41%
Malaysia: +9%
South Korea: +9%
Australia: +32%
Hong Kong: +116%
Japan: +827%
The surge in exports to Japan, despite existing tariffs, underscores growing international demand for Thai frozen desserts.
Anukool highlighted Thailand’s strategic advantage in the global market, citing its strong production capacity, access to premium raw materials, and investor confidence. “Thailand is well-positioned to become Asia’s regional hub for ice cream production and exports,” he said, noting that several major international ice cream brands have already established manufacturing bases in the country.
As global appetite for frozen treats grows, Thailand’s ice cream sector looks poised to scoop up an even larger share of the market in the years ahead.
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