Market
Raw peanuts (groundnuts) are produced in Thailand and are used mainly as a domestic food crop and processing input (boiled/roasted peanuts, confectionery and ingredient uses). UN Comtrade data (via WITS) indicate Thailand is a net importer of raw peanuts, with particularly large imports of shelled kernels used by domestic processors. Production has been reported across Northern, Northeastern and Central regions, and Department of Agriculture varietal work highlights several widely used Thai varieties (e.g., Khon Kaen and Kalasin lines). Market access and quality management are strongly shaped by aflatoxin controls under Thai agricultural and food-safety standards.
Market RoleNet importer with domestic production for food and processing
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption and processing input (snacks, confectionery, ingredients; some oil/meal use)
Market Growth
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin non-compliance in peanut kernels is a deal-breaker risk in Thailand: Thai standards and ACFS-related import controls focus on maximum aflatoxin levels, and non-compliant lots can face intensified inspection, corrective actions (return/destruction), and potential suspension of import approvals until control-system improvements are demonstrated.Implement pre-shipment aflatoxin testing with recognized methods; enforce supplier drying/storage controls; maintain lot-level traceability and documentation aligned to Thai standard expectations.
Food Safety MediumThailand’s warm/humid ambient conditions increase the risk of fungal growth and aflatoxin formation during storage of raw peanut kernels if moisture control breaks.Keep kernels dry and protected from rain/sunlight; use controlled storage and, where applicable, vacuum or modified-atmosphere packaging approaches that have been studied for suppressing fungal occurrence and aflatoxin risk.
Regulatory Compliance MediumPlant quarantine documentation and cleanliness/pest-freedom checks can delay or block clearance if the phytosanitary certificate is missing/incorrect or if lots contain pests, soil or extraneous material.Confirm Thailand import conditions for the exact product form/end-use; align with exporting-country NPPO issuance of phytosanitary certificates; run pre-shipment cleanliness inspections and seal/pack to prevent contamination.
Logistics MediumSeaborne logistics disruptions and freight-rate volatility (e.g., chokepoint disruptions) can raise landed costs and extend lead times for imported peanut kernels used by Thai processors.Diversify origins (including regional suppliers when feasible), contract freight with buffers, and hold contingency inventory for key production runs.
Standards- GMP (aligned to Codex General Principles of Food Hygiene or equivalent)
- HACCP (Codex-aligned or equivalent)
- ISO 22000 / FSMS (ISO/IEC 22000 family)
- BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety (Issue 9)
FAQ
Is Thailand a net importer or exporter of raw peanuts?Thailand is a net importer of raw peanuts. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) show imports of shelled raw peanuts (HS 120220) in 2023 were far larger than exports, indicating domestic processors rely heavily on imported kernels alongside domestic production.
Which countries supply most of Thailand’s shelled raw peanut imports?China and India are major suppliers for Thailand’s shelled raw peanut imports (HS 120220) in UN Comtrade (via WITS) for 2023, with smaller shares from other origins.
What is the main compliance risk for trading raw peanuts into Thailand?Aflatoxin compliance is the key risk. Thailand’s standards and ACFS-related measures for peanut kernels focus on maximum aflatoxin levels, and non-compliance can lead to intensified inspection and corrective actions such as rejection, return, or destruction of shipments.