An American Peanut Council delegation traveled to Thailand in early February as part of the Agriculture Department’s trade mission to expand agricultural exports and strengthen trade ties in Southeast Asia.
“The peanut industry is excited to participate in this important agribusiness trade mission to Thailand,” says Louise McKerchar, APC vice president, Europe, United Kingdom and Southeast Asia marketing director. “As the U.S. peanut industry increasingly focuses on exports to Southeast Asia, we look forward to meeting with potential importers and processors while learning more about Thailand’s market.”
The American Peanut Council was the recipient of 2024 and 2025 USDA Regional Agricultural Promotion Program funding to help diversify U.S. peanut export markets in regions with rising consumer demand and purchasing power, including Southeast Asia.
Year to date, through November 2024, U.S. peanut exports to Thailand increased 6% to $497,623. In 2023, U.S. peanut exports to Thailand were valued at $485,000. Nearly 100% of the shipments were peanut butter.
“Peanuts are the most popular nut eaten in Thailand, with 80% of Thais consuming peanuts and 37% eating peanut butter,” continues McKerchar. “Although U.S. peanuts currently face Thai import tariffs, we believe the country’s growing demand for peanuts and peanut products presents solid growth potential for the U.S. market.”
Thailand’s most-favored-nation tariff rate for imports of U.S. raw peanuts is currently 20%, while imports of peanut butter face a 30% tariff or 25 Baht/KG, whichever is higher.
The APC-led delegation includes:
■ Jeff Roper, grower, National Peanut Board/Texas Peanut Producers Board
■ Lupe de Lira, senior sales manager, Golden Peanut
■ Louise McKerchar, vice president, Europe, UK and Southeast Asia marketing director, American Peanut Council
■ Peter Vlazakis, vice president, International Programs, American Peanut Council.
