Thai fruit SMEs prepare for China market under FTA support program

Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has launched a new program to help small and medium-sized fruit businesses use free trade agreements to expand exports, especially to China.

The project, focused on fresh and processed fruit, is run by the Department of Trade Negotiations and targets producers, farmers, community enterprises and cooperatives from across Thailand.

The ministry said the program will help businesses better understand how to use FTA benefits in 18 free trade partner markets where tariffs on many Thai products have already been reduced or removed.

China as key market

China is a key target market. According to the ministry, Chinese buyers continue to show strong demand and trust in Thai fruit, including durian, longan, mangosteen, coconut and pomelo. Under the ASEAN-China FTA and RCEP agreement, Thai fresh and processed fruit products already receive 0% tariff treatment.

Higher-value exports

The program also supports Thailand’s wider “Land of Tropical Fruits 2026” policy, which aims to move Thai fruit into higher-value markets, premium sales channels and stronger export routes. The ministry said the plan is also meant to reduce pressure from slower exports at a time when domestic fruit output is rising.

Training and selection

More than 70 businesses applied to join the project. Twenty were selected for the first round and will take part in a boot camp covering FTAs, international trade, trade rules, China’s GACC measures, Chinese consumer behavior, commercial use of intellectual property, AI marketing strategies and business plan writing.

After training, the participants will join a pitching round. Ten final businesses will be chosen for a market visit to China in August 2026.

Market visit to Shanghai

The selected companies will study modern trade and wholesale fruit channels in Shanghai, meet potential Chinese partners, including importers, retailers, distributors, hotels and restaurants, and visit China International Fruit Expo 2026.

The ministry said the project is designed to connect larger and smaller operators and help Thai fruit businesses secure a stronger position in the Chinese market.

source and photo: moc.go.th