Thailand is now ranked as the top ice cream exporter in Asia and holds 4th position globally, capitalising on its rich raw materials as well as FTA privileges..
Chotima Iemsawasdikul , Director-General of the Department of International Trade Negotiations, Commerce Ministry, highlighted the growing popularity of ice cream especially as the climate is getting warmer, leading to upward trend in ice cream exports despite logistical challenges.
Thailand now ranks 4th globally just behind the EU, US and UK in terms of ice cream exports. It beats economic giant China to hold the No.1 position in Asia, although China has the world’s largest ice cream market in terms of consumption. Over the past 5 years, Thailand’s ice cream exports reached an average of US$106 million annually, representing 11% growth every year.
In the first 2 months of 2025, Thai ice cream exports reached US$22 million, a solid 3% increase year-on-year.
Chotima attributed the strong growth to existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) which help to bolster exports and dismantling import tariffs in the 18 partner countries covered by Thailand’s 14 FTAs. These include rapidly developing ASEAN nations, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India, Peru, Chile, and Hong Kong. Currently, all categories of Thai ice cream and other edible ices enjoy tariff-free access to 17 of these FTA partner countries, excluding Japan which applies import duties ranging from 21 to 29.8%.
