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Production
Thailand is the world's largest producer of pineapple. 1999
was the year in which there had been a significant increase
in terms of both areas of planting and production yield in
Thailand. The total production was right around 2.353 million
tons, which is almost 32% higher than 1998's 1.787 million
tons production according to the Food and Agricultural Organization
of the United Nations (FAO) statistics. This could partly
be as a result of the high price of pineapple during 1997
to 1998 which inspired the farmer to try to expand and optimize
their growing area..
Unsurprisingly, the price has come down dramatically as a
consequence. In November 1999, the price almost bottomed out
to 1.28 Baht/kg, which was 19% less than its previous month
and 76% less than the same period last year. Regarding the
production capacity, the canned pineapple manufacturers are
able to switch their production line to other kinds of fruits,
so the actual production capacity in 1999 were at 70%, up
from 50% in 1998 when the overall pineapple production decreased
due to the El Nino phenomena.
Markets
Even though competition has risen due to Antidumping Law posted
by the US government and GSP cut by EU, lower pineapple price
helped Thai pineapple industry to still able to maintain its
competitiveness.
During the first three quarters of 1999, Thailand had exported
about 333,754 metric tons or 9,109 million Baht of canned
pineapple, up from the previous year by 109% and 83% respectively.
Total export volume in 1999 increased substantially from 1998
due to large supply of pineapples.
Trend
The production in 2001 is expected to decrease by 2 - 4% because
the low pineapple price in 1999 to 2000 did not attract farmers
to expand their growing areas. The export market will still
face high competition from major Asian competitors such as
Philippines and Indonesia. The estimated export volume in
the year 2000 is at 440,000 metric tons, approximately 12,320
million Baht, a 7% increase from last year. In 2001, it is
estimated at 453,200 metric tons, approximately 12,690 million
Baht, a 3% increase.
The canned pineapple industry is still rather competitive
with strong challengers from countries like Philippines and
Indonesia. Total export of canned pineapple this year is estimated
at around 440,000 metric tons or about 12,320 million Baht,
an increase of 7% and 10% respectively. In 2001, the forecast
is estimated at around 453,200 tons or 12,690 million Baht,
up 3%, whereas the export price in US dollar is expected to
decline by 2% in the year 2000, and stay at US$700/ton in
2001.
source: SCB research institutes
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General
Information
