Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), said exports in July reached US$28.5 billion while imports rose by 5.1% year-on-year to $28.2bn, resulting in a trade surplus of $322.1 million.
The continued export growth was supported by strong global import demand ahead of the expiration of the US tariff exemption in August as importers accelerated orders to mitigate potential cost risks, reports the Bangkok Post.
Moreover, the government’s commitment to secure a favourable outcome in tariff negotiations with the US along with plans to support affected exporters have boosted business confidence, he said.
For the first seven months, exports rose by 14.4% to $195.4bn while imports increased by 10.6% to $195.1bn, resulting in a trade surplus of $259.9mn.
Exports to primary markets in July increased by 15.3%.
The rate of growth in the US stood at 31.4%, while the rate in China stood at 23.1%. Japan’s rate of growth was recorded at 7.1%, while the rate in the EU reached 6.6%. Asean 5 recorded a growth rate of 5.6% while CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) recorded a growth rate of 1.9%.
In terms of product categories, exports of agricultural and agro-industrial products expanded by 10.9%, marking a third consecutive month of growth.
Key products showing growth included fresh, chilled, frozen and dried fruits at 107.7%; fresh, chilled, frozen and processed chicken at 9.8%, pet food at 9.1%, wheat products and other prepared foods a 21.8%, refined sugar at 36.2% and canned and processed fruits at 12.9%.
Meanwhile, rubber, rice, canned and processed seafood, tapioca products, animal and vegetable oils and fats, and meat and meat preparations declined.
Exports of industrial products expanded by 14%, marking the 16th consecutive month of expansion. Key products with strong performance included computers, equipment and parts; rubber products; machinery and parts; electronic integrated circuits; transformers and parts; and plastic products.
Mr Poonpong anticipated a slowdown in exports for August and the remainder of 2025, but maintains a positive outlook.
If the average monthly export values range between $22-23bn, Thailand could achieve its export growth target of 2-3% this year.
He said it is crucial to remain vigilant regarding risk factors that could impact exports in the latter half. These include trade disruptions with Cambodia, restrictions on truck deliveries to Myanmar, inventory levels in importing nations and China’s slowdown.