Thailand’s FTA-Driven Exports Reach US$60 billion in First Eight Months of 2025
Utilisation of Free Trade Agreements drives growth, with ASEAN the leading destination and key product categories gaining traction
Thailand’s export sector recorded a robust performance in the first eight months of 2025, with Free Trade Agreement (FTA) utilisation driving the total export value to US$60.25 billion, marking an 8.4 per cent year-on-year increase, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
The Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) reported an FTA utilisation rate of 80.71 per cent, highlighting the strategic agility of Thai businesses in leveraging tariff privileges amid global economic volatility.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) emerged as the leading export destination, accounting for US$21.1 billion of FTA-supported trade, followed by key markets such as China, India, Japan and Australia.
Among product categories benefiting from reduced tariffs were fresh durian (notably into China), platinum and jewellery (strong demand in India), and export lines including commercial vehicles, synthetic rubber and processed chicken meat.
The Thai government is now accelerating efforts to expand trade opportunities through new FTAs with Europe and South Korea.
To support this initiative, the DFT has trained over 1,200 entrepreneurs nationwide, equipping them to maximise trade privileges and contribute to long-term economic resilience.
This proactive strategy underlines Thailand’s commitment to transforming its export base and enhancing value-added industry links.
While global headwinds remain — including a stronger baht and external demand uncertainties — Thailand’s high utilisation of FTAs and diversified export destinations provide a buffer.
The current export momentum reinforces the country’s place in global supply chains, and if sustained, could help Thailand achieve the broader economic resilience required for the year ahead.
The Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) reported an FTA utilisation rate of 80.71 per cent, highlighting the strategic agility of Thai businesses in leveraging tariff privileges amid global economic volatility.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) emerged as the leading export destination, accounting for US$21.1 billion of FTA-supported trade, followed by key markets such as China, India, Japan and Australia.
Among product categories benefiting from reduced tariffs were fresh durian (notably into China), platinum and jewellery (strong demand in India), and export lines including commercial vehicles, synthetic rubber and processed chicken meat.
The Thai government is now accelerating efforts to expand trade opportunities through new FTAs with Europe and South Korea.
To support this initiative, the DFT has trained over 1,200 entrepreneurs nationwide, equipping them to maximise trade privileges and contribute to long-term economic resilience.
This proactive strategy underlines Thailand’s commitment to transforming its export base and enhancing value-added industry links.
While global headwinds remain — including a stronger baht and external demand uncertainties — Thailand’s high utilisation of FTAs and diversified export destinations provide a buffer.
The current export momentum reinforces the country’s place in global supply chains, and if sustained, could help Thailand achieve the broader economic resilience required for the year ahead.
