Thailand’s exports increased by 11% year-on-year in July, marking the 13th consecutive month of growth, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), stated that exports in July amounted to US$28.5 billion, while imports rose by 5.1% year-on-year to $28.2 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $322.1 million.
The sustained export growth was driven by strong global demand ahead of the expiration of the US tariff exemption in August, prompting importers to accelerate orders to mitigate potential costs. Additionally, the government’s efforts to negotiate favorable tariffs with the US and support measures for exporters have bolstered business confidence, he added.
In the first seven months of the year, exports grew by 14.4% to $195.4 billion, while imports increased by 10.6% to $195.1 billion, leading to a trade surplus of $259.9 million.
Exports to key markets in July saw a 15.3% increase, with growth rates of 31.4% in the US, 23.1% in China, 7.1% in Japan, and 6.6% in the EU. ASEAN 5 countries experienced a 5.6% increase, while CLMV nations (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam) grew by 1.9%.
Regarding product categories, agricultural and agro-industrial exports rose by 10.9%, marking a third straight month of growth. Notable products included fresh, chilled, frozen, and dried fruits, which surged by 107.7%; poultry products increased by 9.8%; pet food by 9.1%; wheat products and processed foods by 21.8%; refined sugar by 36.2%; and canned and processed fruits by 12.9%. Conversely, exports of rubber, rice, seafood, tapioca, oils and fats, and meat products declined.
Industrial exports expanded by 14%, marking the 16th consecutive month of growth. Strong performers included computers, equipment and parts; rubber products; machinery and components; electronic circuits; transformers; and plastics.
Mr. Poonpong projected a possible slowdown in exports for August and the rest of 2025 but remained optimistic overall. If monthly export values average between $22-23 billion, Thailand could meet its growth target of 2-3% for the year.
He emphasized the importance of staying alert to potential risks that could affect exports in the latter half of the year, including trade disruptions with Cambodia, restrictions on truck deliveries to Myanmar, inventory levels in importing countries, and China’s economic slowdown.