Exclusive Interview: Arada Fuangtong on Securing Thailand’s Leadership in Global Tapioca Trade
 |
Thailand is reaffirming its role as the world’s top tapioca exporter as it prepares to host the World Tapioca Conference 2025 (WTC 2025) in Bangkok. Spearheaded by the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) under the Ministry of Commerce, the event underscores the nation’s strategic vision to elevate its tapioca industry through innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration. In an exclusive interview, Mrs. Arada Fuangtong, Director-General of the DFT, emphasized tapioca’s critical role in Thailand’s economy.
“The Ministry of Commerce, under the leadership of Minister Mr. Jatuporn Buruspat, prioritizes tapioca as a key economic crop supporting over 740,000 Thai farming households, with annual income exceeding 100 billion baht,” she said.
Guided by the government’s "Market-Driven, Innovation-Enhanced, Income-Boosted" policy, the DFT is working to enhance production quality, embrace sustainable practices, and add value through technological innovation. “We’re committed to the Ministry’s Made by Thais. Used by Thais. Helping Thais’ initiative, ensuring full integration across the supply chain—from farm to global market,” Mrs. Arada added.
Thailand’s Export Performance. In 2024, Thailand exported 6.47 million tonnes of tapioca products, generating 110.26 billion baht in revenue. Despite global price declines, the first half of 2025 saw export volumes reach 5.02 million tonnes, up 39.44% year on year. However, total export value fell by 11.10% to 54.64 billion baht. “We remain confident in achieving our 2025 target of 7.5 million tonnes by tapping into new, high-potential markets and industries,” Mrs. Arada noted.
World Tapioca Conference 2025. Held under the theme “Thailand Tapioca Next: GO Global, Go Together,” WTC 2025 aims to transition the industry from raw material exports to high-value innovation. More than 1,000 participants from across the globe including importers from China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and others are expected to attend alongside Thai stakeholders, exporters, farmers, researchers, and government agencies. “This conference will position Thailand as a global hub for tapioca production, processing, trade, and technology,” said Mrs. Arada. “It will also help local producers adapt to global trends and consumer demands through innovation and sustainable development.”