Thailand’s exports rose 11% year-on-year in July, reaching $28.5 billion, marking the 13th consecutive month of growth. Imports increased by 5.1% to $28.2 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $322.1 million.
The strong performance was driven by accelerated global orders ahead of the expiration of US tariff exemptions, along with government measures to support exporters. For the first seven months of the year, exports rose 14.4% to $195.4 billion, while imports grew 10.6% to $195.1 billion, leaving a surplus of $259.9 million.
Exports to major markets recorded significant growth: the US (31.4%), China (23.1%), Japan (7.1%), EU (6.6%), Asean-5 (5.6%), and CLMV (1.9%). Agricultural and agro-industrial exports rose 10.9%, led by fruits (107.7%), refined sugar (36.2%), processed chicken (9.8%), and canned fruits (12.9%). Industrial exports expanded 14%, with strong demand for computers, electronics, machinery, transformers, and plastics.
Officials anticipate slower growth later this year due to trade disruptions, regional transport restrictions, high inventory levels abroad, and China’s economic slowdown. However, Thailand is still on track to meet its 2–3% annual export growth target if monthly exports remain between $22–23 billion.