Thailand Secures THB 10.9bn in Tapioca Deals
Deputy Commerce Minister Chantawit Tantasith and Department of Foreign Trade Director-General Arada Fuengthong also attended the event, along with other senior officials.
WTC 2025 welcomed more than 1,000 participants, including producers, importers, government officials, private sector representatives, farmers, and media, with international delegates from over 16 countries and economic zones. These included China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Turkey, Laos, Vietnam, India, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, the UK, the US, Germany, and Hong Kong.
The event is expected to generate trade deals worth more than THB 10.9 billion, with over 1.48 million tonnes of tapioca contracted through MOUs absorbing 3.57 million tonnes of domestic cassava root.
Minister Jatuporn emphasised that tapioca is a key economic crop supporting more than 740,000 farming households across Thailand. 'Despite challenges including price volatility, climate change, and geopolitical uncertainties, the government is committed to supporting the sector through all stages of the supply chain from upstream to downstream,' he said.
He added that while export volumes have increased in 2025, global prices have declined. 'We continue to push the 'Thai Make, Thai Use, Thai Help Thai' policy to ensure farmers can sustain their livelihoods, businesses grow stronger, and Thailand remains competitive on the global stage.'
A key highlight of the conference was the announcement of the 'Sandbox' agricultural initiative, which aims to transform over 10 million rai of drought- and flood-prone farmland into high-productivity zones. Guided by the strategy 'Market-led, Innovation-driven, Income-boosted,' the initiative focuses on climate-resilient crop development and sustainable growth, while aligning with ongoing tax negotiations particularly with the United States and enhancing inter-agency cooperation.
'We aim to transition from traditional agriculture to high-value agro-industries, ensuring no one is left behind. Under the shared vision 'Go Global Go Together,' Thailand will maintain its global leadership not through isolated efforts, but through unified action across all sectors,' Jatuporn said.
He concluded by reaffirming the Ministry's role: 'The Ministry of Commerce today can be trusted on all fronts. We are your partner and protector we won't let you walk alone.'
Export Outlook
In 2024, Thailand exported 6.47 million tonnes of tapioca, generating THB 110.26 billion in export value. For the first half of 2025 (January–June), export volume rose 39.44% year-on-year to 5.02 million tonnes. However, global price declines led to an 11.10% drop in export value to THB 54.64 billion. The MoC continues to actively promote Thai tapioca in international markets, with a 2025 export target set at 7.5 million tonnes.
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