Economy Thai Post Eyes Potential U.S. Tariff Risks, Reports Strong Q1 Growth

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Thailand Post has flagged reciprocal import tariffs from the United States as a potential risk to global cross-border shipping, urging logistics firms to monitor the situation closely. Chief Executive Dhanant Subhadrabandhu highlighted that these tariffs, originally set to take effect on April 9 but paused for 90 days, could notably affect global trade dynamics and shipping volumes.

 

Thailand Post, collaborating with the United States Postal Service, is actively exchanging information on these policies, including the "de minimis" exemption allowing for import tax exemptions on items valued below US$800 during the pause. This collaboration aims to mitigate potential disruptions by leveraging Thailand Post’s expansive logistics network, which covers 205 destinations worldwide.

 

Despite these potential challenges, Thailand Post has reported robust growth in the first quarter of the year, with total revenue reaching 5.9 billion baht, marking an 11.8% increase year-on-year. Net profit spiked over 227% to more than 534 million baht, driven by effective cost controls and the enhancement of revenue streams.

 

Parcel delivery revenues surged 10% per parcel, alongside a domestic postal service revenue increase of 20.1% and a 13.1% rise in the transport and logistics sector. The agency's retail business revenues also rose to 5.94 billion baht, a significant improvement from the previous year.

 

To support Thai businesses in reaching international markets, Thailand Post has formed partnerships with platforms like eBay and Amazon, offering logistics and warehousing solutions for cross-border sellers. Looking ahead, the Post Next Business Group plans to upgrade existing services into the information logistics sector.

 

In the third quarter, Thailand Post will launch new features like Digital Postbox, an electronic document exchange system, and Prompt Vote, a secure online voting system. The organisation is set to invest 1.4 billion baht in IT and automation enhancements, positioning itself as a tech-focused postal company.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-07

 

 

[ukrules]

The "de minimis" exemption for anything coming from Thailand should be set to the exact same amount Thailand uses.

I seem to remember an announcement some time last year that they will be charging taxes on anything worth even 1 Baht when it enters Thailand - which sounds fair.

And sales tax should be added in the state of the recipient - just like VAT is applied to all of Thailand on any imports, plus the shipping cost.

 

So a 3 cent allowance seems very generous to me.