Thailand's raw material export mix in 2026
Thailand remains the world's #1 exporter of natural rubber, #1 of tapioca starch, and a top-5 exporter of refined palm olein. For industrial buyers — tire makers, food formulators, oleochemical plants — Thai origin means predictable specs, mature port infrastructure, and short lay-time to China, India, and the Middle East.
1) Natural rubber (HS 4001)
- RSS3 (Ribbed Smoked Sheet grade 3) — tire carcass, conveyor belts. Cluster: Songkhla, Surat Thani.
- STR20 (Standard Thai Rubber, block) — tire tread. Cluster: Hat Yai, Trang.
- Latex concentrate (60% DRC) — glove, condom, foam. Cluster: Songkhla, Rayong.
FOB Bangkok/Penang reference (2026 Q1): RSS3 ~USD 2,050/MT, STR20 ~USD 1,880/MT, latex ~USD 1,420/MT (dry basis).
2) Tapioca (HS 1108.14 starch, HS 0714.10 chips)
- Native tapioca starch — food, paper, textile sizing. Cluster: Nakhon Ratchasima, Kalasin.
- Modified starch — value-added, HS 3505.10.
- Dried chips & pellets — feed, bioethanol. FOB Laem Chabang: native starch ~USD 470/MT, chips ~USD 245/MT.
3) Palm oil (HS 1511)
Thailand is a smaller producer than Indonesia/Malaysia but supplies RBD palm olein for regional food processors. Southern cluster: Krabi, Surat Thani, Chumphon. FOB Bangkok: RBD olein ~USD 985/MT (2026 Q1).
Export documentation stack
- Certificate of Origin (Form D for ASEAN, Form E for China, Form AI for India)
- Phytosanitary certificate (agri raw materials)
- Fumigation certificate (chips, pellets)
- Halal cert (palm oil to Middle East)
- SGS/CIQ inspection at loading
Landed-cost example: 25 MT RSS3, Bangkok → Chennai
- FOB Bangkok: USD 2,050/MT
- Ocean + insurance: USD 95/MT
- SGS + fumigation: USD 4/MT
- CIF Chennai ≈ USD 2,149/MT
How TUSKO helps raw material buyers
We pre-qualify Thai processors, negotiate FOB/CIF terms tied to SICOM (rubber) or TAPPI/local benchmarks (starch), and manage inspection + shipping docs. See our Thai rubber & latex sourcing guide and Bangkok sourcing agent cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which rubber grade fits tire tread vs carcass?
STR20 (block) is the industry standard for tread compounding; RSS3 (sheet) is preferred for carcass and belting.
Is Thai tapioca GMO-free?
Yes — Thailand does not commercially cultivate GM cassava. Native starch is naturally GMO-free, and Thai processors provide non-GMO declarations for EU/Japan buyers.
What's the MOQ for palm olein?
Flexibag = 22 MT; ISO tank = 24 MT; parcel tanker minimum ~500 MT. Most food buyers start at 1–2 flexibags per trial.
How is rubber priced day-to-day?
Contracts typically reference SICOM (Singapore) TSR20 daily settlement, plus a Thailand-origin premium/discount. TUSKO locks the formula so buyers aren't exposed to spot volatility.