Thai exports rise 17.8% in March to three-year high
The country is among South-east Asian nations hardest hit by US President Donald Trump’s measures, facing a 36 per cent tariff if a reduction cannot be negotiated before a global moratorium expires in July
[BANGKOK] Thailand’s exports rose for a ninth straight month in March and more than expected, reaching the highest level in three years, although steep US tariffs remain a concern, the commerce ministry said on Thursday (Apr 24).
Exports, a key driver of South-east Asia’s second-largest economy, climbed 17.8 per cent in March from a year earlier, above a forecast rise of 13.5 per cent in a Reuters poll and beating February’s 14 per cent rise.
In the January to March period, exports rose 15.2 per cent year on year. The commerce ministry has forecast exports will rise 2 to 3 per cent this year, after an increase of 5.4 per cent to a record US$301 billion in 2024.
In March, exports to the United States, Thailand’s biggest market, rose 34.3 per cent from a year earlier, while shipments to China increased 22.4 per cent.
Imports rose 10.2 per cent in March from a year earlier, up from a forecast rise of 6.1 per cent.
The country recorded a trade surplus of US$0.97 billion last month versus a forecast surplus of US$1.1 billion.
The United States was Thailand’s largest export market last year, accounting for 18.3 per cent of total shipments, or US$54.96 billion. Washington has put its deficit with Thailand at US$45.6 billion.
Thailand is among South-east Asian nations hardest hit by US President Donald Trump’s measures, facing a 36 per cent tariff if a reduction cannot be negotiated before a global moratorium expires in July.
“Thai exports in 2025 face a challenge from US tariffs and retaliatory tariffs from other countries, creating concern for the global economy” the ministry said. REUTERS
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
