'We're just so sweet': Thai ice cream exports surge, leading Asia and climbing global ranks
Image from The Nation Thailand/ANN
BANGKOK (The Nation Thailand/ANN): Thai ice cream is booming—No.1 in Asia, No. 4 globally. Exports averaged $106 million annually over 5 years, up 11%, driven largely by FTA benefits boosting market access.
Anukool Pruksanusak, Deputy Spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, announced that Thai ice cream has emerged as a standout product on the global stage, gaining popularity among consumers of all ages, especially during the summer months.
Despite global trade challenges, Thailand's ice cream exports have shown consistent growth and strong adaptability, securing the country's position as Asia's No. 1 ice cream exporter and No. 4 globally, behind the EU, the US, and the UK.
Between 2020 and 2024, Thailand exported an average of US$106 million worth of ice cream annually, with an average growth rate of 11% per year. In the first two months of 2025 (January–February), exports reached US$22 million, up 3% from the same period last year.
A key driver of this export success is Thailand's network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), which help eliminate tariff barriers and expand market access. Thailand currently has 14 FTAs with 18 countries, including ASEAN, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India, Peru, Chile, and Hong Kong.
Of these, 17 countries now offer tariff-free access for Thai ice cream products, with Japan being the only exception, maintaining an import tax of 21–29.8%.
In the first two months of 2025, ice cream exports to FTA partner countries totaled US$20 million, accounting for 87% of all Thai ice cream exports—an increase of 4%. Notably, Asean remains the largest export market, growing 9%, with specific surges in: Malaysia: +9%, Philippines: +70%, Vietnam: +41%, South Korea: +9%, Australia: +32%, Hong Kong: +116%, Japan: +827%
Looking ahead, Anukool expressed confidence in the long-term growth of Thailand's ice cream industry, citing the country's strong production capacity, access to quality raw materials, and competitive advantages from FTA benefits.
These factors position Thailand to become Asia's regional hub for ice cream production and exports. Many of the world's leading ice cream manufacturers have already invested in Thailand for this purpose. - The Nation Thailand/ANN
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Monday (June 23, 2025)
Malaysia: * PM Anwar approval rating rises to 55% on the back of economic, political factors, says Merdeka Center * Lee and Anwar discuss FTA, expanding South Korea-Malaysia cooperation, reports Yonhap * Basic needs exempted from revised SST to protect vulnerable households, says Treasury sec-gen * DPMs, Cabinet ministers convey condolences over death of Sarawak Premier's wife * PM Anwar extends condolences over passing of Sarawak Premier's wife * High Court stays freeze order on Na'imah's assets * Video clip case: MACC calls in another Sabah politician * Investment scam ring busted, 10 nabbed in Puchong raid * 17 Malaysians evacuated from Iran return home * Sabah government backs wildlife film to boost tourism * Tax, transport and juice: Triple blow could spike imported fruit prices, traders warn * Nine-year-old girl dies from alleged abuse in Melaka * CIMB revises 2025 GDP forecast to 4.3% on trade easing, stronger US ties * Govt aims for 200,000 individuals to be discharged from bankruptcy in 2025 * Hadi Awang showing strong recovery after heart procedure, says Terengganu MB * Malaysia continues to strengthen public service as people's needs evolve, UN forum told * Sarawak govt monitoring military aircraft incident at Kuching International Airport / RMAF confirm aircraft CN-235 experienced nose landing gear issue A number of suspected drug smugglers are presented to the media during a press conference at the Indonesian Customs Office in Jakarta, on Monday, June 23, 2025, following the uncovering of some 172 international drug smuggling cases from April to June 2025, with a total of 285 suspects arrested. -- Photo by ADITYA IRAWAN / AFP Singapore: * Important to continue nurturing trust and understanding, Singapore PM Wong tells Chinese Premier * Singapore Airlines cancels all flights to Dubai until Wednesday amid Middle East conflict * 11 Singaporeans have left Iran since start of conflict, says foreign ministry * Singapore could host Fifa youth competition, says Fifa chief Gianni Infantino * 'Les Miserables – The Arena Spectacular' marches into Singapore next March * Singapore's annual core inflation rate 0.6% in May, matching poll forecast * Singapore thanks Malaysia and Oman for evacuating citizens from Iran * UK aircraft carrier docks at Marina Bay Cruise Centre * Young people in Singapore carrying weapons as 'fashion accessory': Counsellor * Singaporean actress Hong Ling leaves honeymoon planning to husband Nick Teo * Testing the waters across Causeway - Singapore semiconductor company UMS Integration Ltd's impending secondary listing in Bursa Malaysia Indonesia: * Indonesia arrests 285 in drug crackdown and seizes over half a ton of narcotics * Nations react to US strikes on Iran with many calling for diplomacy * Indonesia probes second bomb threat on Saudia haj flight * Aceh-North Sumatra dispute triggers wider border tensions * Indonesia weather agency revises outlook, shorter dry season in 2025 * Extradition hearing for Indonesian businessman Tannos begins in Singapore * Asian stocks, currencies dip as Iran conflict sparks risk aversion * Oil prices spike after US strikes on Iran / Oil hits five-month high after US hits key Iranian nuclear sites Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaks during a press conference about policies to curb scam centers in Cambodia after a meeting at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23, 2025. -- Photo: Government House of Thailand via REUTERS. Thailand: * Thai authorities seize more than two tons of crystal methamphetamine worth over US$90.8mil * Embattled Thai PM reshuffles cabinet as political crisis rages in country * Thailand bans Cambodian motorbikes at all checkpoints * Thailand heads into political turbulence as Cambodia row festers * Thai embassy in Jordan warns Thais amid Iran-Israel crisis escalation * Army says Cambodia amassing troops and heavy weapons along border * Thai PM taps military figure for defence minister * Thai PM rejects calls to step down over border row Philippines: * 'There's no case', Philippines VP Sara Duterte now wants Senate to dismiss impeachment case * Philippine VP Duterte responds to impeachment trial summons * Singer Ronnie Liang alarmed after scammers used his identity to ask money, court women * Senator bats for labour reforms as Philippines still in 'worst countries for workers' list * Construction worker Cardong Trumpo wins 'Pilipinas Got Talent' season 7 * Philippine VP Duterte criticises Marcos for leaning towards US * Asia - Shares slip, oil rises as investors weigh Iran risks Protesters shout slogans as they condemn the recent bombings of the US against Iran during a rally in Quezon city, Philippines. -- AP Photo/Aaron Favila Vietnam: * World's youngest self-made woman billionaire Lucy Guo says craving work-life balance means you're in wrong job * Police uncover drug syndicate in Johor, two Vietnamese women among arrested * Hanoi business closures driven by concerns over counterfeit goods * Downpour claims two lives in northern Vietnam * Vietnam's star tech firm VNG still planning US IPO * Beijing expresses concern over major trade routes through Gulf Myanmar: * Malaysia urges Asean-OIC collaboration on Myanmar crisis * Global media should report accurately on aggression against Iran, says IRNA * Airlines weigh Middle East cancellations after US strikes in Iran * Myanmar UEC chairman unveils plan to use voting machines nationwide in upcoming election * Oil prices stable as investors await Iranian response to US strikes This pool photo taken and released on Monday, June 23, 2025 by Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) shows Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet (right) greeting people who voluntarily evacuated from their homes near the Cambodia-Thailand border to a safety centre in Preah Vihear province. -- Photo by POOL / AFP Cambodia: * Cambodia and Thailand now shut land crossings as border row worsens * Cambodia bans fuel, gas imports from Thailand from midnight Sunday * Manet: Thailand must re-open borders before bilateral talks can take place * Cambodia claims Thai cyclists violated temple agreement * Cambodia PM orders halt to fuel imports from Thailand Laos: * Laos focuses on reducing dropouts and advancing education among young children * Luang Prabang charts bold tourism vision to become regional standout * Laos and South Korea launch medical university project in Vientiane Brunei: * Brunei-based law professor ranked among the world's top legal scholars * Nationwide Recycling Day concludes World Environment Day 2025 celebrations * Royals take the plunge at record-breaking coral planting School children prepare to lay flowers at a memorial to those who died to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa, at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman, Okinawa Prefecture on Monday, June 23, 2025. The three-month battle, often dubbed the -- Typhoon of Steel --, killed about 200,000 people, almost half of them local civilians. - Photo by JIJI Press / AFP AseanPlus: * Malaysian doctor highlights Semporna's stateless kids in London photo exhibit * Malaysia determined to be a film tourism destination * RM8mil CBT trial of Vivy Yusof, husband to begin on April 13, 2026 * Public tip-off leads to capture of fugitive rape suspect in Sibu * Maybank extends first green loan to fuel Charoen Pokphand's RE expansion in Malaysia * China warns of 'spillover of war' risk in Iran-Israel conflict * South Korea's Lee names first civilian defence minister in decades * Beijing issues weather warning for hottest days of year * Key Bangladesh party files case on alleged election rigging * Air India cuts less than 5% of narrowbody jet routes, suspends two international flights * Afghan police discover arms, ammunition * Stone carving discovered in Qinghai stirs debate * China says US attack on Iran has damaged its credibility * Key Bangladesh party files case on alleged election rigging * From bingsu to sashimi, popularity of cup foods going strong in South Korea * Australia says it supports US strike, calls for return to diplomacy * New Zealand's 'golden visa' scheme lures US investors * Actress Nashi accused of 'faking' records to take gaokao * Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba to skip NATO summit, source says * Tokyo voters punish Japan ruling party ahead of national election * Japan factory activity returns to growth after 11-month contraction, PMI shows * PETRONAS LNG, Japan's Jogmec partner to expand collaboration in LNG sector * Restaurants and food firms switching to noodles in Japan * India to see limited inflation fallout from oil * South Korea's Lee says Middle East situation is "very urgent" * Repatriation of human skeletons from Netherlands underway * IAEA says entrances to tunnels at Iran's Isfahan site hit by US strike * Iran's Fordow nuclear facility hit by Israeli attack, local official says * This madcap 10-storey-high rural 'nail home' is attracting visitors in China * Hague NATO summit aims to focus on Trump's spending goal but Iran looms large * Iran's parliament looking to suspend cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog - IRNA * Exclusive-Iranian retaliation against U.S. forces could come soon, U.S. officials say * Any Iranian closure of Hormuz Strait would be 'extremely dangerous', EU's top diplomat says * Pakistan condemns Trump's bombing of Iran - a day after nominating him for Peace Prize * South Korean artiste DJ Soda shares hair loss nightmare after bleaching mishap: 'I had to shave my head' * Frontman may get 'Squid Game' spinoff, Lee Byung-hun tells Jimmy Fallon * Golf -- Aussie Minjee Lee keeps her cool to bag third Major title at KPMG Women's PGA Championship
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia, EFTA ink landmark economic partnership deal
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states have signed an economic partnership agreement, opening a new chapter for Malaysia's trade, investment and economic relations with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said that besides the Malaysia-EFTA Economic Partnership Agreement (MEEPA), both Putrajaya and the EFTA member states also inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation and capacity building as well as a joint statement on sustainable palm oil. 'As a trading nation, it is important for Malaysia to maintain its neutral and non-aligned stance, particularly in the face of current geopolitical uncertainties that complicate the global trading landscape,' MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz said in a statement here today. He said Malaysia's unwavering neutrality and non alignment is also reflected in the signing of MEEPA, which is its 18th free trade agreement (FTA) thus far and is part of the country's enhanced attempt to diversify its markets amid global economic uncertainties. 'As Malaysia's first FTA with several European countries, MEEPA is also expected to pave the way for expedited Malaysia-EU FTA negotiations. 'The trade potential to be realised will provide more business opportunities for local companies, including small and medium enterprises, and offer higher-paying jobs for Malaysians – both key in driving our economic transformation agenda,' he added. MEEPA was signed in Tromsø, Norway, today by Tengku Zafrul, Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Terese Myrseth, Iceland's Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Daði Már Kristófersson, Liechtenstein's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Environment and Culture Sabine Monauni, Switzerland's Vice President and Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin. The pact covers goods, services, investments, intellectual property rights, customs facilitation, competition policy, sanitary and phytosanitary, trade and sustainable development, government procurement and economic cooperation. 'It is expected to bring new export opportunities and enable Malaysia to continue attracting high technology and knowledge-based investments from those four non-EU member countries. 'Upon entry into force, the agreement guarantees long-term duty-free access to more than 90 per cent of Malaysia's exports, including all industrial products, to the four signatory countries, securing benefits that were previously offered under the temporary unilateral scheme of Generalised System of Preferences (GSP),' MITI said. In 2024, Malaysia's trade with the EFTA was valued at RM14.4 billion. Over 85 per cent of Malaysia's exports to these countries were industrial products covering electrical and electronics, optical and scientific instruments, metal products, plastics and rubber-based products. MITI said that of the four member states, Switzerland accounted for over 80 per cent of trade amounting to RM12.2 billion, followed by Norway at RM2.1 billion. Cumulatively, Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein have invested RM14.2 billion in Malaysia, resulting in the creation of over 24,000 job opportunities. 'A prime example is the Malaysian Cocoa Board's collaboration with the renowned Swiss company Nestlé to develop KitKat Dark Borneo, a premium single-origin chocolate crafted exclusively from Malaysian cocoa beans,' the ministry said. In the area of services, Malaysian professionals encompassing accountants, auditors, lawyers, physiotherapist, nurses, and teachers are expected to benefit from enhanced access and mobility through transparent rules in the EFTA markets. MITI said the agreement also has a robust built-in agenda for cooperation and capacity building programmes to further strengthen the development of sectoral capabilities in areas such as engineering, science, technology and innovation; green mobility and transportation; digitalisation and automation; pharmaceuticals and medical devices; as well as human capital development through training, internships and expert exchange programmes. During the MEEPA signing, Tengku Zafrul also witnessed the MOU exchange between Universiti Teknologi Petronas and two Norwegian universities, namely the University of South-Eastern Norway and the University of Stavanger. MITI said the initiative seeks to foster academic collaboration and specialised expertise in hydrogen technology, carbon capture and storage, as well as related fields across the oil, gas, marine and shipping, and renewable energy sectors. 'The collaborative ventures are expected to contribute towards the sustainable development of a skilled talent pool and long-term growth of industries by enhancing the quality of Malaysia's higher education and translational research,' it added.
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia inks landmark trade deal with EFTA nations
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states have signed an economic partnership agreement, marking a new chapter for trade, investment and economic relations with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) said both Malaysia and the EFTA member states also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation and capacity building, as well as a joint statement on sustainable palm oil. Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, said it is important for Malaysia, as a trading nation, to maintain its neutral and non-aligned stance, particularly in the face of current geopolitical uncertainties that complicate the global trading landscape. He said the unwavering neutrality and non-alignment is also reflected in the signing of the Malaysia-European Free Trade Association Economic Partnership Agreement (MEEPA). He noted that it is the country's 18th free trade agreement (FTA) thus far, and is part of an enhanced attempt to diversify markets amidst global economic uncertainties. "As Malaysia's first FTA with several European countries, the MEEPA is also expected to pave the way for expedited Malaysia-EU FTA negotiations. "The trade potential to be realised will provide more business opportunities for local companies, including small and medium enterprises, and offer higher-paying jobs for Malaysians – both key in driving our economic transformation agenda," he said in a statement. The MEEPA was signed by Tengku Zafrul and his counterparts representing Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. MEEPA covers goods, services, investments, intellectual property rights, customs facilitation, competition policy, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, trade and sustainable development, government procurement and economic cooperation. MITI said it is expected to bring new export opportunities and enable Malaysia to continue attracting high-technology and knowledge-based investments from these four non-EU member countries. Upon entry into force, the agreement guarantees long-term duty-free access for over 90 per cent of Malaysia's exports to the four signatory countries. This includes all industrial products and secures benefits that were previously available under the temporary Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) scheme. In 2024, Malaysia's trade with the EFTA was valued at RM14.4 billion, with over 85 per cent of its exports to these countries being industrial products covering electrical and electronics, optical and scientific instruments, metal products, plastics and rubber-based products. Switzerland accounted for over 80 per cent of trade, amounting to RM12.2 billion, followed by Norway at RM2.1 billion. Cumulatively, Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein have invested RM14.2 billion in Malaysia, resulting in the creation of over 24,000 job opportunities. A prime example is Lembaga Koko Malaysia's collaboration with the renowned Swiss-based company Nestlé to develop KitKat Dark Borneo, a premium single-origin chocolate crafted exclusively from Malaysian cocoa beans. In the area of services, Malaysian professionals, encompassing accountants, auditors, lawyers, physiotherapists, nurses and teachers, are expected to benefit from enhanced access and mobility through transparent rules in the EFTA markets. The agreement includes a strong agenda for cooperation and capacity building, focusing on engineering, technology, green mobility, digitalisation, pharmaceuticals, and human capital development through training and exchanges. During the MEEPA signing, Tengku Zafrul also witnessed the MoU exchange between Universiti Teknologi Petronas and two Norwegian universities, namely the University of South-Eastern Norway and the University of Stavanger. The initiative seeks to foster academic collaboration and specialised expertise in hydrogen technology, carbon capture and storage, as well as in related fields across the oil, gas, marine and shipping, and renewable energy sectors. The collaborative ventures are expected to contribute towards the sustainable development of a skilled talent pool and long-term growth of industries by enhancing the quality of Malaysia's higher education and translational research.
