Thailand retains crown as world's No 1 orchid exporter

Thai exports of decorative plants in 2023–2024 grew to 9.32 billion THB, of which more than half came from orchids.

Thailand exported 5.43 billion THB (160 million USD) worth of orchids over past two years, retaining its position as the world’s biggest exporter of the plant, said the Department of Business Development (DBD) under the Thai Commerce Ministry.

Thai exports of decorative plants in 2023–2024 grew to 9.32 billion THB, of which more than half came from orchids, DBD Director-General Oramon Sapthaweetham said.

Major markets for Thai decorative plants include the US, Vietnam, Japan, and Malaysia.

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Illustrative Image (Photo: nationthailand.com)

A total of 2,993 flower, decorative, and perennial plant businesses are registered with the department, with combined registered capital of 17.6 billion THB. They reported total revenue of 91.51 billion THB in 2023 and a profit of 2.47 billion THB, up from 1.84 billion THB in 2021.

Oramon said technology and innovation are key growth drivers in this industry, adding that modern technology such as smart farming is reducing costs and increasing efficiency, empowering Thai farmers to compete on the global stage.

She called for further development of the workforce and farming technology to maintain Thailand’s edge over competitors./.

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