An industry report focused on ornamental horticulture in Thailand was published at the 2025 AIPH Spring Meeting in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), via the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), and produced by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), the report offers valuable industry data and provides insights into potential trade opportunities with Thailand.

With a population of nearly 70 million people, the Kingdom of Thailand is the second strongest economy in Southeast Asia, following Indonesia. Thailand enjoys ideal environmental conditions for producing a wide range of cut flowers and ornamental plants. Skilful growers, well-structured grower organizations, good transportation infrastructure and efficient, up-to-date production techniques are also key ingredients contributing to the success of the Thai ornamentals sector. 

Titled Country Profile – Thailand, the report details production and consumption of the floriculture industry in Thailand and showcases key export and import data. In 2023, Thailand’s exports of ornamental products amounted to $132 million. Orchids ranked as the most important floral export from Thailand accounting for over 70 per cent share of the total export value in 2023. By comparison, in the same year Thailand imported $43 million worth of cut flowers and $16 million in live plants and cuttings. According to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Indo-Pacific region is Canada’s second-largest export market after the United States. It spans 40 countries and economies, including Thailand and nine other member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“As Canada’s ornamental horticulture industry explores new global opportunities, the Thailand Report provides invaluable insights into a dynamic and expanding market. The data and analysis presented in this report will support our members in identifying trade potential and building connections in the ASEAN region. We thank AIPH and the Horticultural Science Society of Thailand for their collaborative efforts in making this report possible,” said Victor Santacruz, executive director of the CNLA.

According to the report, Canada and ASEAN began negotiations to form the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement in 2021. Several rounds of negotiations have been conducted since the agreement was drawn and it is expected that they will conclude by the end of 2025. The agreement has the potential to create new opportunities in a fast-growing market and increase Canada’s presence in the region. "Thailand fully supports the ASEAN-Canada FTA and its completion in 2025, as it will mark Thailand's first free-trade agreement with a North American nation," said Suchat Chomklin, Thailand’s deputy minister of
commerce. The latest round of negotiations included meetings of seven working groups, covering crucial areas such as phytosanitary requirements, which is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture of Thailand.

Thailand is rife with opportunities for business development. While surveys reveal a demand for culturally significant plants grown in Thailand, there is also a need for quality plant material, post-harvest management and improved research to mitigate climate challenges. Consumer preferences indicate there
may be opportunities for supplying new and emerging growers with nursery plant materials needed for establishing production of plants and flowers not widely available in Thailand but which are currently in demand.

The Country Profile – Thailand report is available to download for free from the AIPH website.