BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade revealed that exports under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for January–February 2025 totaled USD 15.09 billion, accounting for 81.36% of eligible export value—a 24.11% increase from the same period last year. The Ministry of Commerce is encouraging Thai exporters to maximize use of the 14 effective FTAs covering 18 partner countries to expand into new markets and reduce reliance on a single export destination.
Director-General Arada Fuengthong reported that ASEAN remained the top export destination under the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), with exports worth USD 5.3 billion. The ASEAN-China FTA ranked second (USD 3.16 billion), followed by ASEAN-India (USD 3.2 billion), Thailand-Japan (JTEPA, USD 1.03 billion), and Thailand-Australia (TAFTA, USD 894 million).
Top products benefiting from FTA exports were platinum (unwrought/semi-finished or powder), diesel trucks under 5 tons, synthetic rubber blends, and cane sugar. Notably, exports to India under the ASEAN-India FTA in February alone reached USD 1.73 billion—a growth of over 300%—driven by high-value goods like platinum and jewelry.
The Commerce Ministry also highlighted ongoing negotiations with India to improve the Thailand-India FTA, aiming to include more goods, services, and investment. With India’s population exceeding 1.4 billion and a growing middle class, the expanded deal is expected to open major trade opportunities.
In April, the Department of Foreign Trade held seminars to help SMEs adapt to global trade challenges and capitalize on FTA benefits. Discussions included responses to U.S. tariff impacts and how FTAs can reduce trade costs and boost competitiveness. The ministry plans to continue hosting similar events throughout 2025 in key provinces like Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, and Lamphun.
