Thailand’s Commerce Ministry is ramping up efforts to position the country as a leading player in the rapidly expanding global halal food market, which is expected to be worth $3.1 trillion by 2027.
Authorities describe the momentum as a “golden opportunity” for Thai entrepreneurs to tap into rising global demand.
The halal market, once considered niche, has gained mainstream status, fuelled by a growing Muslim population and increasing spending power among Muslim consumers worldwide.
According to 2024 data from the United Nations, Muslims account for 1.907 billion people, or 23.5% of the global population of 8.119 billion.
That number is projected to rise sharply to 2.761 billion by 2050, representing nearly 30% of the world’s population and reinforcing the long-term growth potential of the halal sector.
Research by Salaam Gateway, a leading Islamic economy think tank, valued the global halal product market at $2.35 trillion in 2024.
Food and beverages dominate the sector, making up $1.38 trillion, approximately 59% of total market value. Other significant categories include fashion, media and recreation, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
By 2027, halal food and beverage alone are projected to reach a market value of $1.89 trillion.
Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director General of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office under the Ministry of Commerce, said Thailand is well positioned to benefit from the sector’s growth.
In 2024, Thai food exports to member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reached $7.1313 billion, reflecting a 6.3% year-on-year increase.
“This solidifies Thailand’s presence in the OIC market and signals a golden opportunity for Thai entrepreneurs to capitalise on surging global demand for halal products in 2025 and beyond,” Poonpong said.
He added that halal food is not only appealing to Muslim consumers but also gaining traction among non-Muslim populations due to its strict production standards, which prioritise hygiene and safety.
This growing consumer trust has translated into rising demand, particularly from OIC countries. In 2024, global halal food and beverage exports to OIC nations totalled $247.362 billion, marking a 6.9% increase from 2023.
Brazil, India, China, Turkey, and the United States remain among the top exporters, while Thailand holds the 10th spot in the global rankings.
Key OIC importers include Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
For Thailand, halal food exports form a strategic component of its broader trade and economic agenda. Indonesia, Malaysia, Iraq, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia together account for 68.5% of the kingdom’s halal food shipments.
Core export items include rice, canned tuna, sugar, pet food, and various seasonings.
Thailand’s competitive edge lies in its strong food production capabilities, trusted halal certification system, and consistent product quality.
Officials believe that high-income OIC markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar offer substantial growth opportunities, given their demand for globally certified, premium halal products.
To secure its foothold and accelerate market penetration, the Commerce Ministry emphasises the need for Thailand to maintain high standards, innovate continuously, and engage in proactive marketing across the OIC bloc.
