Market
Fresh carrot in Thailand is a cool-season root vegetable supplied by a mix of domestic highland production and large-scale imports. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) for HS 070610 shows Thailand imported about USD 50.18 million (134.03 million kg) in 2023, with China as the dominant supplier. Thailand’s exports are comparatively small; in 2024, exports were about USD 1.43 million (3.43 million kg), primarily shipped to neighboring markets such as Myanmar and Lao PDR. Domestic production and buyer assurance practices reference Thailand’s GAP framework and Department of Agricultural Extension highland-crop guidance, with varieties such as New Kuroda and Hong Daeng cited as commonly planted.
Market RoleNet importer with domestic highland production; limited regional exporter
Domestic RoleCommon fresh vegetable for household and foodservice use; domestic supply is supplemented by imports
SeasonalityCarrot is treated as a highland cool-season crop in Thailand; root development is reported as optimal around 18–21°C in Department of Agricultural Extension guidance, implying reliance on cooler periods and/or higher-elevation production zones.
Risks
Food Safety HighPesticide residue non-compliance is a deal-breaker risk for fresh carrots in Thailand: Ministry of Public Health notifications set pesticide residue requirements (including MRL/default limit concepts and prohibitions for certain hazardous substances), and failures can lead to rejection, recall, or enforcement action depending on the channel (domestic retail, foodservice, or export).Implement residue-control plans aligned to Thailand’s pesticide residue requirements and buyer specifications; require supplier records under TAS 9001-2013 (GAP) and use accredited lab testing/COA workflows before shipment or program distribution.
Logistics MediumThailand’s fresh carrot supply is import-heavy and highly concentrated in China (HS 070610), creating vulnerability to freight volatility, border disruptions, and route constraints that can rapidly tighten availability and raise landed costs for a bulky commodity.Diversify approved origins and suppliers (e.g., secondary suppliers beyond China), maintain safety stock for key customers, and contract freight/route options with contingency planning.
Regulatory Compliance MediumPlant quarantine non-compliance (missing import permission where required, missing or incorrect phytosanitary certificate, or failure to present for inspection) can lead to seizure/destruction and penalties under Thailand’s plant quarantine enforcement framework.Confirm commodity status and import conditions with the Department of Agriculture in advance; validate phytosanitary wording, treatments (if required), and pre-arrival notification/inspection steps.
Climate MediumCarrot production is temperature-sensitive in Thailand’s context: official highland-vegetable guidance emphasizes cool conditions for root development, so heat events and unsuitable lowland conditions can reduce root quality/size uniformity and increase supply variability for domestic production.Source from high-elevation production zones for domestic programs, align planting windows to cooler conditions, and use irrigation/field practices that stabilize soil moisture and temperature as recommended in Thai extension guidance.
Sustainability- Pesticide risk management and responsible agrochemical use under Thailand’s GAP framework for food crops
- Highland cultivation context can increase sensitivity to soil management and water stewardship (as implied by highland-specific production guidance)
Labor & Social- Worker health, safety, and welfare are explicitly included within Thailand’s GAP standard scope for food crops; buyers may request evidence of compliance practices and records.
Standards- TAS 9001-2013 (Thailand GAP/Q-GAP) — Good Agricultural Practices for Food Crop
- ThaiGAP (private standard referenced by certification bodies and industry stakeholders)
- GLOBALG.A.P. (commonly used international farm assurance scheme in export-oriented produce programs)
FAQ
Is Thailand a net importer or exporter of fresh carrots?Thailand is a net importer for HS 070610 (fresh or chilled carrots and turnips). UN Comtrade data via WITS shows imports of about USD 50.18 million in 2023, while exports were much smaller at about USD 1.43 million in 2024.
Which suppliers dominate Thailand’s imports of fresh carrots (HS 070610)?China is the dominant supplier of HS 070610 into Thailand in UN Comtrade data via WITS (2023), with smaller volumes from other origins such as Australia and Vietnam.
Which carrot varieties are commonly cited for Thailand’s highland production context?Thailand’s Department of Agricultural Extension highland-vegetable manual cites New Kuroda (New Kuruda) and Hong Daeng as commonly planted carrot varieties in the highland-crop context.