Thailand Aims to Expand Exports to India in Key Trade Deal
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce is accelerating talks on the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement to expand exports of agricultural products, gems, machinery, and electrical appliances, with negotiations already 40% complete.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce is working to accelerate the review of a key trade agreement with India in order to increase exports of Thai goods, including agricultural products, gems, machinery, and electrical appliances.
Deputy Minister of Commerce Chantavit Tandhasit announced that he attended a Special ASEAN-India Economic Ministers’ Meeting on 28 August 2025 to push forward the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).
According to Chantavit, negotiations have progressed by approximately 40% despite earlier challenges.
Recent progress includes agreements on reducing customs barriers, cooperation for small and medium-sized enterprises, and expanded market access for goods, all of which will make trade more transparent and fair.
“Thailand has reiterated its position that it is ready to push for this negotiation to conclude meaningfully within 2025 so that Thai businesses can benefit directly, especially in exporting goods to India, where there is high potential for growth, including agricultural products, gems, machinery, and electrical appliances,” Chantavit stated.
The minister emphasized the growing importance of the economic relationship, noting that trade between ASEAN and India was valued at more than 106.8 billion US dollars in 2024.
The push to finalize the AITIGA review is viewed as a strategic step to create new opportunities for Thai private enterprises, giving them easier access to the Indian market, lowering costs, and boosting competitiveness.
Key ASEAN exports to India include electrical appliances, mineral fuels, and machinery, while ASEAN imports from India mainly consist of mineral fuels, gems, and chemicals.
Deputy Minister of Commerce Chantavit Tandhasit announced that he attended a Special ASEAN-India Economic Ministers’ Meeting on 28 August 2025 to push forward the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).
According to Chantavit, negotiations have progressed by approximately 40% despite earlier challenges.
Recent progress includes agreements on reducing customs barriers, cooperation for small and medium-sized enterprises, and expanded market access for goods, all of which will make trade more transparent and fair.
“Thailand has reiterated its position that it is ready to push for this negotiation to conclude meaningfully within 2025 so that Thai businesses can benefit directly, especially in exporting goods to India, where there is high potential for growth, including agricultural products, gems, machinery, and electrical appliances,” Chantavit stated.
The minister emphasized the growing importance of the economic relationship, noting that trade between ASEAN and India was valued at more than 106.8 billion US dollars in 2024.
The push to finalize the AITIGA review is viewed as a strategic step to create new opportunities for Thai private enterprises, giving them easier access to the Indian market, lowering costs, and boosting competitiveness.
Key ASEAN exports to India include electrical appliances, mineral fuels, and machinery, while ASEAN imports from India mainly consist of mineral fuels, gems, and chemicals.
