Bangkok (VNA) - Thailand’s exports in March 2025 surged by 17.8% year-on-year to 29.5 billion USD, setting a new record in terms of value, according to the Thai Ministry of Commerce.
This marks the 9th consecutive month of export growth for Thailand, reaching the highest level in three years, although steep US tariffs remain a concern, the ministry said.
Thai Minister of Commerce Pichai Naripthaphan reported that exports from the real sector excluding gold, oil-related products, and weaponry increased by 15% year-on-year last month. The primary driver of this growth was the industrial sector, particularly exports to key markets such as the US, China and the EU, he said.
According to Pichai, these trading partners have seen an acceleration in manufacturing activity as they sought to mitigate risks from the US tariff hikes. This led to a surge in import demand aimed at stabilising production supply chains and mitigating potential cost and price increases in the future.
In the first quarter, the value of Thai exports rose by 15.2% year-on-year, totalling 81.5 billion USD with a trade surplus of 1.08 billion USD.
Pichai said a strong export performance in the first quarter is expected to play a significant role in driving the country's GDP growth, which could potentially exceed 3%.
Thailand has maintained regular communication with the US Trade Representative and prepared measures to address potential challenges, such as preventing export circumvention and identifying negotiable products, said Pichai./.
