Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Thailand’s exports surged to a record high in 2025, rising 12.9% year on year to a total value of 339.6 billion US dollars, or about 11 trillion baht, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The result marked the strongest export increase performance in four years, despite a widening trade deficit as imports also increased sharply.

The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) said the 2025 export figure was the highest on record. Exports excluding oil-related products, gold and military goods expanded 14.0%, while imports for the year totalled 344.9 billion US dollars, up 12.9%, resulting in a trade deficit of 5.3 billion US dollars.

Exports continued to accelerate in December 2025, reaching 28.9 billion US dollars, or 931.3 billion baht, an increase of 16.8% from a year earlier. This extended export growth to an 18th consecutive month, while imports rose 18.8% to 29.3 billion US dollars, leaving a monthly trade deficit of 352 million US dollars.

The strong December performance was driven mainly by electronics and electrical appliances, supported by technology upgrades linked to artificial intelligence and supply-chain diversification amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Agricultural exports, however, remained under pressure due to natural disasters and intense global competition.

Exports of agricultural and agro-industrial products rose 2.8% year on year in December, returning to growth for the first time in five months. Agricultural products alone declined 0.6%, while agro-industrial products increased 6.8%, led by gains in fruit, pet food, processed chicken and plant and animal fats and oils.

For the whole of 2025, agricultural and agro-industrial exports slipped 0.4%. Industrial exports, by contrast, expanded 20.3% year on year in December and rose 17.4% for the full year, with strong growth in computers, telephones, machinery, printed circuit boards and other electrical equipment.

Exports expanded in nearly all major markets, led by the United States, where shipments rose 54.3%. Exports to the European Union increased 17.2%, ASEAN-5 grew 13.1%, China rose 4.4% and Japan 8.6%, while exports to CLMV countries fell 11.4%.

Khoasod reported that TPSO director-general Nantapong Jiralertpong said export growth in 2026 is expected to slow, with forecasts ranging from a contraction of 3.1% to growth of 1.1%. Risks include existing and new US tariff measures, changing global trade rules, geopolitical conflicts and a strengthening baht, although demand for technology, food security concerns and new free trade agreements may provide some support.

Key Takeaways

• Thailand’s exports reached a record 339.6 billion US dollars in 2025, up 12.9% year on year.

• Strong growth was driven by electronics and industrial goods, while agricultural exports lagged.

• Export growth in 2026 is expected to slow amid global trade and geopolitical risks.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-24

 

 

In money maybe a raise, but in volume not.. The expensive THB makes things expensive so that can the reason for a good result, but on the other hand, last year economy only raised with 1,2 % last year as we could read last week.. Export maybe ok, but other business are deep in red than....But the elections are coming so everything must look good for the current parties to show how they work for the country, but if the people believe this again they will feel sorry, as nothing will change and the country will go back further

As the Thai Baht has appreciated by about 9% (different sites give different figures +- about 0.5%) against the US Dollar over the past 12 months, most of this increase is due to the appreciation of the Baht against the US Dollar.

What Thai military goods do they have to export? They build nearly 0 themselves - Just buy in a deal then markup & sell on to who? Maybe landmines!

58 minutes ago, phil2407 said:

What Thai military goods do they have to export? They build nearly 0 themselves - Just buy in a deal then markup & sell on to who? Maybe landmines!

Don't let your prejudice and hate get in the way of thinking, or researching before posting ...

What is the US buying 54.3% more of. Buying more that half as much again of what ever it is.