In a significant diplomatic and economic move, Mr. Warong Ramangkul, Thailand's Deputy Minister of Commerce, recently led a delegation of Thai trade representatives on a successful trip to South Africa aimed at bolstering trade relations between the two nations. This visit, which was part of a broader strategy to enhance Thailand's presence in African markets, saw discussions focusing on increasing exports of Thai agricultural products, particularly rice, as well as negotiating free trade agreements.
During the visit, which was sanctioned by the Minister of Commerce, Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan, Warong expressed optimism about the potential for Thai mangoes and mangosteens in the South African market. The South African side showed a keen interest in importing these tropical fruits, indicating a willingness to expand bilateral trade. This is particularly notable as South Africa has recently begun exporting its own apples to Thailand.
Warong highlighted that Thailand currently holds a dominant position in the South African rice market, with over 70% market share. He stated, "We aim to push for a Thai-African Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a separate agreement with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), which includes Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini, and South Africa, to facilitate smoother trade operations and enhance market access for Thai products." This strategy is designed to not only promote rice exports but also to open doors for other Thai goods such as processed food and meat.
The delegation's activities included a promotional event at the Food Lover’s Market in Pretoria, where they showcased various Thai products. This initiative was part of an effort to improve the image of Thai goods and stimulate consumer demand. Warong remarked, "Our goal is to create a positive perception of Thai products and encourage local consumption of Thai cuisine in South Africa."
As part of the trip, the Thai delegation also engaged with key stakeholders in the rice import sector. Warong noted that the discussions revolved around challenges faced by Thai rice exporters and the need for continued collaboration to overcome these hurdles. In a significant highlight of the visit, the Thailand Ultimate Friendship Award 2025 was presented to eight major South African rice importers, recognizing their long-standing partnership with Thai rice exporters.
Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed for the sale of 400,000 tons of rice, valued at approximately 7.3 billion baht. This agreement underscores the strengthening of economic ties between the two nations and reflects Thailand's commitment to maintaining its status as a leading rice supplier in the region.
On the tourism front, the delegation met with Wrenelle Stander, CEO of the Western Cape Tourism Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, known as Wesgro. They discussed strategies for enhancing trade and investment cooperation between Thailand and South Africa. Warong expressed gratitude for Wesgro's interest in ASEAN countries, emphasizing the importance of expediting the FTA negotiations, which are anticipated to benefit both nations due to their similar economic policies aimed at reducing inequality and fostering growth.
Wesgro has plans to participate in international trade fairs in the ASEAN region and is exploring the possibility of direct flights to facilitate trade. Warong noted, "We hope to finalize the FTA with South Africa by the end of this year, which will create more opportunities for trade and investment between our countries."
From 2020 to 2024, Thailand exported an average of 793,902 tons of rice to South Africa, with a notable increase in exports recorded in early 2025. In January and February 2025 alone, Thailand exported 98,943 tons of rice to South Africa, marking a 60% increase compared to the same period the previous year. This upward trend is expected to continue, with projections indicating that Thailand could export no less than 900,000 tons of rice to South Africa in 2025, contributing significantly to the overall rice export target of 7.5 million tons for the year.
As the global trade landscape continues to evolve, Thailand's proactive approach in strengthening its trade relationships, particularly with South Africa, highlights its commitment to expanding its agricultural exports and enhancing its international trade footprint. The successful outcomes from this recent visit not only pave the way for increased rice exports but also set the stage for a broader dialogue on trade cooperation between Thailand and the African continent.
