Quick Answer
Thailand is an important source of food ingredients and processed foods: according to English Wikipedia, Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of tapioca starch, and it produced about 34.1 million tonnes of cassava in 2022, third in the world. Thailand is also an RCEP member; the agreement entered into force for Thailand on 1 January 2022. When sourcing food ingredients from Thailand, the keys are verifying the factory’s food safety certifications, test reports and ingredient information and preparing documents for the destination country; for goods exported directly to RCEP members, check whether they meet the rules of origin for preferential duties (Taiwan is not an RCEP member).
Thailand’s Strengths in Food Ingredients
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tapioca starch | According to English Wikipedia, Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of tapioca starch |
| Cassava production | About 34.1 million tonnes in 2022, third in the world (FAOSTAT, cited by Wikipedia) |
| Thai tea | Thai milk tea is made from strongly brewed Ceylon tea or locally grown Assam tea from northern Thailand (Wikipedia) |
Tapioca starch is the main ingredient in tapioca pearls; see What Is Tapioca Starch? For Thai milk tea, see Why Is Thai Milk Tea Orange?
The Thailand Sourcing Process
- Define specifications: ingredient grade, packaging, quantity and target-market regulations.
- Find and screen suppliers: business records, capacity, certifications.
- Test samples: for the actual use, such as making pearls from the starch to test texture.
- Audit the factory: food safety management (HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, etc.).
- Negotiate and contract: payment, lead time, Incoterms, quality standards.
- Inspect and ship: pre-shipment inspection, plus commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin.
Special Points for Food Ingredients
- Test reports: as the product and destination require, such as microbiology and heavy metals.
- Ingredients and allergens: to meet destination labeling rules.
- Storage conditions: ambient, chilled or frozen, affecting transport and cost.
- Import rules: food imports into Taiwan require an inspection application under Article 30 of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation; see What Is an Import Agent Service?
RCEP and Multi-Country Supply
RCEP’s rules of origin and regional cumulation give supply chains in the region more flexibility. If Thai ingredients are processed and exported to other members, preferential duties can be assessed within the law; but Taiwan is not a member, and transshipment through Taiwan doesn’t change origin. See What Are Rules of Origin?
How Tang Sugar Can Help
Tang Sugar’s international sourcing agent service helps food and ingredient buyers with supplier development, specification and sample approval, negotiation and shipping coordination; for cross-border direct shipments it can be combined with triangular and multilateral trade. Contact us.
Products in this article
All 8 Tapioca Pearls →
FAQ
Is Thailand a major exporter of tapioca starch?
Yes. According to English Wikipedia, Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of tapioca starch.
Is Thailand an RCEP member?
Yes. RCEP entered into force for Thailand on 1 January 2022.
What should I check when sourcing food ingredients from Thailand?
The factory’s food safety certifications, test reports, ingredient and allergen information, storage conditions, and the destination country’s import rules.
Can Thai goods imported into Taiwan use RCEP rates?
No. Taiwan is not an RCEP member.
Further Reading
- Vietnam Sourcing Guide
- What Is Tapioca Starch?
- What Is International Procurement?
- China Plus One: How to Diversify Your Supply Chain
Sources
- Wikipedia: Cassava
- ASEAN: RCEP Agreement enters into force
- Laws & Regulations Database of Taiwan: Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation (Article 30)
