Nonthaburi, The Department of Foreign Trade reveals the ASEAN-China FTA pushes Thai products to stand out in China. Especially processed sugar such as syrup, artificial honey and other sweeteners. Over the past 10 years, Thailand has exported processed sugar products. to China grows at an average of 144.84% per year from the use of Certificate of Origin (Form E) to exempt Chinese import tax of 0% from the normal tax rate (MFN rate) of 30%, which in 2023, the past ASEAN-China FTA Push the total export of Thai processed sugar products to China to nearly 30 billion baht.
Mr. Ronarong Poolpipat, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade Revealed that the Department Has followed the trade situation of agricultural products and processed agricultural products to foreign markets in 2023, found that China is Thailand’s number one export market for agricultural products. They account for approximately 42% of Thai agricultural exports. by processed sugar products (not including raw sugar) such as syrup, arti
ficial honey, caramel, or other sweeteners that can be used to flavor food, drinks, and medicine. They are considered outstanding Thai products and have a very high demand in the Chinese market in 2018. 2023 China imported processed sugar worth 982.52 million US dollars (31,358.58 million baht), with Thailand occupying the number 1 import market with a value of 853.65 million US dollars (29,807.32 million baht), accounting for 86.88% of the amount that China imports from the world. Expanded from the previous year by 103.14% and from statistics on processed sugar imports going back 10 years, it was found that China imported from Thailand had a high growth rate, averaging 144.84% per year.
This is an important factor that helps sugar be processed. which is a product that has the potential to be exported by Thailand, able to rank number 1 in the Chinese market, is to receive trade benefits under the ASEAN-China FTA (ASEAN – China Free Trade Agreement: ACFTA) because in the Chinese market for products processed
sugar If you do not use the benefits under ACFTA, you will be required to pay normal import customs duty (MFN Rate) at the rate of 30%, but will be exempt from duty at 0% when you have a Certificate of Origin (Form E) issued by the Department of Trade. Foreign countries also direct This creates a competitive advantage for Thai processed sugar products. In 2023, there are entrepreneurs requesting to issue Form E certificates for processed sugar products from the Department of Foreign Trade. To use the special rights to request exemption from import taxes in China worth 833.37 million US dollars, or approximately 29,099 million baht, accounting for the proportion of rights exercised at 97.62%.
‘Taking agricultural products such as raw sugar into processing It will help add value to such products in Thailand and have a positive impact on sugarcane farmers. Because it makes products more diverse and has a wider market. This is a government policy that wants to encourage Thai entrepreneurs to process agricultural
products in order to add value to the products. Processed sugar is considered one of the products in which Thai exporters have high competitive potential. Competing for an advantage and taking advantage of the FTAs ??that Thailand has will help drive Thai products to expand their markets to more foreign countries. for processed sugar products In addition to the Chinese market ASEAN is considered an interesting market with high potential. With a population of over 600 million people, Thailand’s processed sugar trends are in high demand in the market, especially products used in the food and beverage industry. Importantly, Thai processed sugar products receive special tax privileges under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA), with an import tax exemption of 0% from the normal tax rate (MFN Rate) between 3-15% of the market. that have high potential in ASEAN such as the Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia, etc.,’ said Mr. Ronarong.
In addition, the Department has given importance to service work, especially the
issuance of certificates of origin. We have developed a service system for issuing certificates. To be consistent with the modern trade context Emphasis is placed on providing exporters with convenience, speed, and reducing the steps for contacting officials. At the end of last year, the Department facilitated this by adding channels for exporters to print the Certificate of Origin themselves. (Self-printing) anywhere, anytime through the DFT SMART C/O system, including Form RCEP, Form AHK, Form AJCEP, and Form TP. And from February 15, 2024 onwards, services will be added with Form E (for export China and Malaysia) and general Form AK and C/O
However, on this occasion, we would like to invite exporters to use the benefits from the FTA in exporting to increase the competitiveness of your products. For exporting products in the food group to China, exporters must study the import regulations. related to the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic China (GACC). Because China has required tha
t those who will export to China must register as producers of imported food products from abroad according to Regulation No. 248 through the website https://cifer.singlewindow.cn. You can find more information at the website of the Foreign Agricultural Advisory Office. Based in Beijing As for information about trade benefits For more information, please contact the Department of Foreign Trade hotline 1385 or Line Official Account (@gsp_helper), etc.
Source: Thai News Agency