Bangkok: "Supajee" has revealed new figures indicating a significant rise in Thailand's agricultural exports, highlighted by a 17.9% increase, with durian prices experiencing an astounding 109.5% surge.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, announced that the Ministry of Commerce's proactive strategies in fruit management are yielding positive outcomes. These measures, designed to address structural issues in agriculture by offering support before and during harvest seasons, have been instrumental in reversing the export downturn.
The Ministry's initiatives include various activities aimed at boosting global fruit exports, such as negotiations with border officials in neighboring countries like Laos, Vietnam, and China to streamline logistics. Additionally, commercial attach©s in China have been tasked with securing durian import orders, targeting 1-1.1 million tons, while also opening export markets for 150,000 tons of mangosteen in several Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Efforts to promote Thai fruits have extended to both major and minor cities in China, as well as emerging and image-enhancing markets in regions such as South Asia and the European Union. The launch of online durian sales platforms has also contributed significantly to the increased demand and order volumes.
As a direct result of these measures, agricultural exports saw a 17.9% rise in April 2026, following eight months of continuous decline. Fruits such as durian, rambutan, and lychee have shown substantial export growth, reflecting the rising international demand for Thai produce. The Ministry is optimistic that fruit exports will continue their upward trend due to the ongoing efforts to stimulate international trade.
Domestically, there has been an uptick in fruit consumption. The Ministry of Commerce has partnered with wholesalers, retailers, and department stores to host fruit sales events and buffets. Fruits are being marketed through various channels, including online platforms, to expand their reach. The "Thai Helps Thai" initiative aims to stimulate domestic consumption by distributing fruits nationwide, with a target of increasing consumption by 500,000 tons. Additionally, the "Thailand: The Land of Tropical Fruits" campaign is set to enhance the global perception of Thailand as a premier source of high-quality tropical fruits.
Ms. Supajee emphasized that the Ministry is not only focusing on immediate proactive measures but also addressing structural problems in agriculture. This includes enhancing quality, developing traceability systems, and meeting market standards, in collaboration with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and other stakeholders. Efforts are also being made to promote processing to manage surplus production and apply innovative solutions, thereby stabilizing market prices. Downstream strategies involve maintaining and expanding export markets through diverse channels, including online platforms and influencer marketing. Enhancing the value of agricultural products through branding and geographical indications has also been a successful strategy in strengthening Thailand's agricultural exports.