Thai processed sugar exports to China surge due to ACFTA

Thai exports to China, particularly those of processed sugar items including syrup, artificial honey, and various sweeteners, have seen a significant surge, courtesy of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA).

Over the past decade, Thailand has witnessed a yearly growth of 145% in processed sugar exports to China, as reported by the Foreign Trade Department.

Ronnarong Phoolpipat, the director-general of the department, shared that China is the primary export market for Thai agricultural products, accounting for 42% of the overall shipments. High-demand products include processed sugars, excluding raw sugar, such as syrup, artificial honey, caramel, and other sweeteners that find use in food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals, reported Bangkok Post.

In 2023, China imported processed sugar worth US$983 million (31.4 billion baht). Thailand held a…