BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Commerce Minister Phichai Naripthaphan announced that Thai exports in April 2025 reached USD 25.6 billion, growing 10.2% year-on-year—the 10th consecutive month of expansion. Excluding oil, gold, and military goods, growth stood at 7.1%, driven by industrial and agro-industrial products. Key export markets like the US, China, Japan, ASEAN, and the EU continued to perform well.
Cumulative export growth during the first four months of 2025 reached 14%, or 12.1% excluding oil, gold, and arms. Since PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra took office seven months ago, exports have risen by 12.5%—a level not seen in decades.
Phichai expressed confidence that even if export growth stalls for the rest of the year, average annual growth will still exceed 4%. He emphasized progress in trade negotiations with the US, especially concerning tariff equality, which could boost competitiveness. A conclusion is expected within 90 days.
Meanwhile, imports in April rose 16.1% to USD 28.9 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of USD 3.3 billion.
Key Products & Markets:
Rubber exports rose 22.5% (18th month of growth)
Poultry exports rose 8.6% (7th month of growth)
Sugar rebounded with 36% growth
Vehicles & parts, machinery, and telecommunication devices saw sharp declines
The US market saw strong performance with 23.8% growth in April, marking 19 consecutive months of expansion, supported by a 90-day extension of retaliatory tariff suspensions. (TNA)
