BANGKOK — The Commerce Ministry revealed that Thai mangosteen is still the world’s No. 1, earning 17 billion baht (502 million USD) annually in exports. Orchard owners have been advised to maintain quality due to increasing competition.
Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (TPSO), Ministry of Commerce, disclosed the situation of Thai mangosteen exports in 2024. Currently, mangosteen is the fruit for which Thailand holds the world export championship, exporting 91% (including fresh and processed) and consuming only 9% domestically of the country’s total mangosteen production.
The country to which Thailand exports the most is China, accounting for more than 90%, as it is favored by consumers both domestically and internationally. Meanwhile, the popularity of fresh consumption has increased due to its delicious taste, large size, and thin peel.
In 2023, Thailand exported 248,612 tons of mangosteen, growing 20.8% compared to the previous year, valued at 502.24 million USD or 17,192.32 million baht, expanding 25.6%.
The top 5 export markets are: China 93.73% (export value growth 27.4%), Vietnam 3.33% (value growth 44.6%), Hong Kong 0.69% (value contraction 72.2%), South Korea 0.59% (value growth 13.1%), and the United States 0.29% (value growth 176.8%).
For 2024, in the first 8 months (Jan-Aug), Thailand exported 247,274.83 tons of mangosteen, expanding 25.6% compared to the same period last year, with an export value of 427.28 million USD or 15,425 million baht, growing 2.0%.
The top 5 important mangosteen export markets for Thailand are China (90.83% share, export value growth 3.6%), followed by Vietnam, South Korea, the United States, and Cambodia.
When analyzing data for China, in 2023, China imported mangosteen totaling 730.41 million USD, growing 16.2% compared to the previous year. The highest import was from Thailand, accounting for 85.07%, followed by Indonesia 14.91%, and Malaysia 0.01%. In 2023, the value of China’s mangosteen imports from Thailand increased, but the import share slightly decreased.
Meanwhile, the import value and share from Indonesia increased. Therefore, Thailand needs to maintain quality and upgrade production, as well as diversify markets to reduce risks from relying on a single main market. Besides Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, China currently allows mangosteen imports from two more countries: Vietnam and Myanmar.
Poonpong said that as Thailand relies mainly on the Chinese market but now faces more competitors, Thailand must move forward fully in all dimensions. Starting from upgrading production standards to be superior, producing export-quality products is necessary since only 9% of the country’s total mangosteen production is consumed domestically. Importance must be given to using post-harvest management technology and extending shelf life.
Attracting consumers by creating unique identities and characteristics of Thai mangosteen through Geographical Indication (GI) registration, reflecting specific production areas, will help elevate and add value to the products.
Currently, there are GI mangosteens including Nai Wong Ranong Mangosteen, Khao Khiri Wong Mangosteen, and Phang Nga Thip Mangosteen. Promoting products like mangosteen on a stick and penetrating new processed markets such as sugar-free dried mangosteen, mangosteen-filled desserts, baked crispy mangosteen (not fried), ice cream, snacks, and mangosteen juice.
Additionally, the peel and seeds can be used in food, cosmetics, and dietary supplements, which are trending health products. This is another way to help prevent price drops and open opportunities for creating new products that appeal to target groups, helping to increase new market expansion opportunities and reduce risks from over-reliance on the main market.
Moreover, increasing diverse distribution channels from souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants to online platforms, and seeking business partners, especially local stores ready to collaborate on marketing, can help expand the customer base.
This will be another important step in upgrading product promotion through online media and social media, helping Thai mangosteen to reach target groups more widely and effectively.
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