Thailand’s mango export industry has witnessed remarkable growth, with South Korea emerging as the top destination for Thai mangoes. This surge is attributed to favorable import policies by the South Korean government and the rising popularity of Thai mango sticky rice among consumers.
In 2024, Thailand exported fresh mangoes worth approximately 2.93 billion baht to South Korea, marking a significant 132.7% increase from the previous year. This impressive growth is largely due to South Korea’s decision to expand import quotas and reduce tariffs on tropical fruits, effectively eliminating the previous 30% import tariff on mangoes. These measures have made Thai mangoes more competitively priced in the South Korean market.
The South Korean consumer trend of enjoying fresh fruits as desserts or appetizers, coupled with the viral popularity of Thai mango sticky rice on social media platforms, has further boosted demand for Thai mangoes. This cultural affinity has strengthened trade relations between the two nations, benefiting Thai exporters and South Korean consumers alike.
Looking ahead, South Korea is expected to increase imports of other Thai fruits, including avocados and bananas. The Thai Ministry of Commerce continues to support fruit exports through initiatives such as border trade fairs, soft power promotion policies, and business matching events. Maintaining high-quality standards is essential for Thailand to sustain consumer confidence and expand its market presence in South Korea and beyond.
Additionally, Thailand and South Korea are in the process of negotiating an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which is anticipated to further enhance trade opportunities for Thai fruits in the South Korean market.
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