The Thai government is exploring ways to boost cocoa exports to China, aiming to capitalize on growing demand and rising global prices. A report from the Office of International Trade Promotion (OITP) in Xiamen shows that China imported $1.335 billion worth of cocoa products in 2024, marking a 29.29% increase from the previous year. Despite this growth, Thailand’s contribution to China’s cocoa imports stood at just 0.36%, underscoring the potential for expansion in this market.
While China’s cocoa bean imports dropped by 20.80% in volume last year, the total value surged by 86.92% to $72.34 million due to price hikes. West African countries, including Ecuador, Papua New Guinea, Togo, Guinea, and Ghana, remained the dominant suppliers. Thailand ranked eighth, supplying 0.27% of China’s cocoa beans, valued at $194,396. Given ongoing global supply challenges, Thailand sees an opportunity to expand its share by focusing on high-quality production.
Thailand’s tropical climate is well-suited for cocoa cultivation, and government initiatives are positioning it as an emerging economic crop. Authorities are working to improve production standards by training farmers and community enterprises while promoting international certifications such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). These efforts aim to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness in the global cocoa market.
Officials have also emphasized the need to improve supply chain efficiency, from cultivation to processing and marketing, to strengthen Thailand’s foothold in international markets.