Thai Exports in 2025 Set New Record at $339.6 Billion, Marking 12.9% Growth

Thailand’s exports surged to a historic high of $339.6 billion in 2025, posting a robust 12.9% year-on-year growth and underscoring the country’s successful rebound in global trade. The milestone reflects a broad-based recovery across manufacturing, agriculture, and services-linked exports, supported by resilient global demand, supply-chain realignment, and proactive trade policy.

The record performance places Thailand among Asia’s standout exporters in 2025, defying lingering headwinds from geopolitical tensions, logistics disruptions, and tighter global financial conditions. Officials and analysts alike point to a combination of structural strengths and timely policy measures that helped exporters capitalize on new opportunities while mitigating risks.

Engines of Growth: Manufacturing Leads the Charge

Manufactured goods remained the backbone of Thailand’s export expansion, driven by electronics, automobiles, machinery, and processed industrial products. Semiconductor-related shipments rebounded strongly as global electronics demand stabilized, while the automotive sector benefited from renewed orders and Thailand’s position as a regional production hub.

A notable contributor was the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, where exports of components and assembled vehicles gained momentum. As automakers diversified production footprints in Asia, Thailand leveraged its established manufacturing ecosystem, skilled workforce, and logistics infrastructure to attract incremental orders.

Chemical products, plastics, and petrochemicals also posted solid gains, supported by improved margins and steady demand from regional markets.

Agriculture and Food Exports Add Stability

Agricultural and food exports provided an important stabilizing force in 2025. Rice, sugar, rubber, and processed food products recorded healthy growth, aided by competitive pricing, improved yields, and strong demand from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Thailand’s emphasis on quality standards, branding, and value-added processing helped food exporters expand their reach in premium segments. Products such as ready-to-eat meals, seafood preparations, and specialty beverages benefited from shifting consumer preferences toward convenience and traceability.

Market Diversification Pays Off

A key feature of Thailand’s export success was market diversification. While traditional partners such as the United States, China, Japan, and the European Union remained important, exporters expanded sales to emerging markets in South Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa.

Trade officials credit this shift to targeted trade missions, bilateral engagement, and the effective use of regional trade agreements. By reducing dependence on a narrow set of destinations, Thailand improved resilience against demand fluctuations and policy changes in major economies.

Services-Linked Exports and Tourism Spillovers

Although services exports are often measured separately, their spillover effects boosted goods shipments in 2025. The strong recovery in tourism supported exports of food, beverages, consumer goods, and hospitality-related supplies. At the same time, logistics, digital services, and creative industries enhanced the competitiveness of physical exports.

E-commerce-enabled cross-border trade also played a growing role, allowing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access overseas customers directly. Government-backed digital trade platforms and financing tools helped SMEs scale exports more efficiently.

Policy Support and Business Confidence

Thailand’s export surge was underpinned by consistent policy support. Authorities prioritized trade facilitation, streamlined customs procedures, and expanded export financing and insurance. Currency management helped limit excessive volatility, providing exporters with greater pricing certainty.

Business confidence improved as supply chains normalized and input costs stabilized. Investments in port capacity, industrial estates, and connectivity further strengthened Thailand’s role as a regional logistics hub.

Navigating Global Headwinds

Despite the strong headline numbers, exporters navigated a challenging global environment. Geopolitical conflicts, shifting trade rules, and climate-related disruptions posed ongoing risks. Freight rates, while lower than pandemic peaks, remained volatile, and protectionist pressures persisted in some markets.

Thai exporters responded by enhancing compliance, diversifying suppliers, and investing in sustainability. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards increasingly influenced buyer decisions, prompting firms to adopt greener production methods and transparent sourcing.

Outlook Beyond 2025

Looking ahead, sustaining export momentum will require continued innovation and productivity gains. Analysts emphasize the importance of moving further up the value chain, particularly in advanced electronics, EVs, biotechnology, and high-value food processing.

Human capital development, digital transformation, and research and development will be critical to maintaining competitiveness. At the same time, expanding regional integration and leveraging free trade agreements can unlock new growth corridors.

A Defining Year for Thai Trade

The record $339.6 billion in exports and 12.9% growth mark 2025 as a defining year for Thailand’s trade sector. Beyond the numbers, the performance reflects adaptability, strategic diversification, and a renewed alignment between policy and enterprise.

As global trade continues to evolve, Thailand’s 2025 export achievement offers a blueprint for balancing resilience with ambition—positioning the country to navigate uncertainty while capturing the next wave of growth.