Explore the latest trends, market data, and export insights for Thailand’s international trade. This guide highlights key partners, rising opportunities, and essential export knowledge to help traders make smart and timely decisions.
🔹 Introduction
Thailand has cemented its place as a regional trade hub in Southeast Asia. With a well-developed export economy, it connects global buyers with everything from automotive parts to fresh fruits and electronics. In 2024, Thailand’s exports crossed USD 290 billion, showing resilience despite global uncertainties.
The country continues to thrive due to its strategic location, improved logistics, and free trade agreements. For exporters, understanding Thailand’s top trading partners is critical—not just for market access but for smarter negotiations, tariff strategies, and timing. This blog breaks it down country-wise, with fresh data and useful tools like Exim Data Hub to support your journey.
🔹 What Are Thailand’s Trading Partners?
➤ A trading partner is a country that imports goods or services regularly from Thailand.
➤ These partnerships are built over time through consistent demand, reliability, and favorable trade terms.
➤ Thailand’s top exports include electronics, vehicles, plastics, chemicals, and food products.
➤ These items are shipped to countries that have large manufacturing or consumption needs—like the US, China, and Japan.
➤ The benefits of working with established trading partners include stable demand, easier payment terms, and predictable logistics routes.
For exporters looking to expand globally, knowing these key partners—and what they buy most—is a game-changer. It helps identify new buyers, set price points, and avoid supply chain hiccups.
🔹 Key Market Trends in Thailand’s Export Scene
| Market Driver | Description |
|---|---|
| ➤ Manufacturing Relocation | Rising interest in Thailand due to shifting factories from China |
| ➤ Food & Agriculture Boom | Organic and packaged food exports seeing increased demand |
| ➤ EV Supply Chain Demand | Vehicle parts and battery materials in high demand from Asia & EU |
In 2024, Thailand’s total exports were valued at over USD 290 billion, with electronics contributing around USD 53 billion, and automotive parts hitting USD 37 billion. Food exports—including rice, processed seafood, and canned fruits—crossed the USD 25 billion mark, marking a 9% YoY growth.
Demand from Japan and the US rose significantly in Q4 2024, especially for processed foods and green technology components. These shifts indicate that countries are not just buying more—but also diversifying what they import from Thailand.
Trade with China and the US remained strong, but exports to India and Vietnam saw a sharp increase, especially in industrial raw materials and electronics. You can explore this data in real-time using platforms like Exim Data Hub to track shifting partner shares.
🔹 Top Trading Partners of Thailand
| Country | Export Share (%) |
|---|---|
| ➤ China | 13.7% |
| ➤ United States | 11.2% |
| ➤ Japan | 9.6% |
| ➤ Vietnam | 5.8% |
| ➤ Malaysia | 4.9% |
China is Thailand’s largest export market, mainly for electronics, machinery, and rubber products. The US follows with high demand for food items, vehicle parts, and apparel. Japan maintains strong ties, especially for precision components and chemicals.
Meanwhile, Vietnam and Malaysia are emerging as high-volume importers due to ASEAN free trade benefits and regional production hubs. Exporters should keep an eye on these rising players when planning next steps.
🔹 Opportunities for Exporters
➤ Higher prices through organic or certified food exports
➤ Vehicle and EV parts supply to new factories relocating from China
➤ Plastic packaging and chemicals used in FMCG and manufacturing sectors
➤ Processed seafood for markets like Japan, UAE, and Australia
➤ Cross-border eCommerce via regional trade agreements
Exporters who target these trends with product positioning and proper HS classification can unlock higher margins and lower risk. Need guidance? Talk to Exim Data Hub for tailored country insights and verified leads.
🔹 HS Codes for Thailand’s Key Export Categories
➤ 87089900 – Auto parts & accessories
➤ 85423100 – Electronic integrated circuits
➤ 10063020 – Jasmine rice
➤ 16041410 – Canned tuna
These HS codes are crucial when shipping to major partners like China, the US, and Japan. Having the correct code speeds up clearance and ensures you’re not overpaying on tariffs. You can request sample HS data through Exim Data Hub before your next shipment.
🔹 How Exim Data Hub Helps Exporters
| Feature | Exporter Benefit |
|---|---|
| ➤ HS Code Intelligence | Helps classify goods accurately to avoid fines |
| ➤ Buyer/Seller Insights | Get real importers and buyers by country & product |
| ➤ Forecast Reports | Predict demand spikes and price changes early |
Exim Data Hub is built for both new exporters and experienced trade professionals. Whether you’re shipping food, machinery, or textiles, our platform helps you discover real buyers, follow market trends, and stay export-ready across 100+ countries. You can also explore global trade flows using Trade Map.
🔹 Conclusion
Thailand’s position in the global trade scene remains strong, and exporters have several tailwinds to leverage:
➤ Trade demand is rising in Asia, North America, and the Middle East
➤ Knowing your top trade partners lets you price smarter and reduce risks
➤ Tools like Exim Data Hub help you plan shipments with precision and stay compliant
Want to export smarter? Use Exim Data Hub to stay ahead in global trade and tap into verified buyers across the globe.
🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is certification required for exporting food or vehicle parts from Thailand?
Yes. Most importers require certifications like ISO, HACCP, or Organic depending on the product category and target market.
Q2: How big is the export market for automotive parts from Thailand?
In 2024, automotive parts exports from Thailand reached around USD 37 billion, led by demand from Japan, the US, and ASEAN.
Q3: How can Exim Data Hub help me with compliance?
We offer step-by-step documentation checklists, tariff updates, and verified documentation rules for each country.
Q4: What’s the fastest-growing export segment from Thailand in 2025?
EV components, processed food, and plastic packaging are among the top fast-growing segments.
