Thai industry targets exotic markets
14/08/2025
President Suwatchai Wongcharoensin (pictured) said the policy, which follows the Wildlife Conservation Committee’s decision to list the reptile for breeding, will allow licensed operators to buy stock from the Department of National Parks at 500 baht ($15.5) each. He noted the material’s appeal to luxury brands such as Hermès, with prices ranging from 4,200–14,000 baht ($130 - $430) per square metre.
Thailand’s leather exports were worth about 12 billion baht ($370 million) in 2024, with exotic leathers making up roughly a quarter of the total. Industry value reached nearly 20 billion baht ($620 million) last year, but output has fallen by 40% in 2025 due to weak demand and uncertainty over US tariffs. With a 19% rate now confirmed, orders are expected to recover, though below previous levels.
Share this story:
