BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has reported that Thailand’s border and transit trade saw steady growth in January 2025, reaching 145.14 billion baht, a 2.7% increase from the previous year. The expansion was driven by rising exports to neighboring countries and strong demand from key trade partners, including China, Singapore, and Vietnam. The energy, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors played a major role in this growth.
Border trade with Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Cambodia totaled 83.79 billion baht, with exports at 50.53 billion baht and imports at 33.27 billion baht. Diesel fuel, refined petroleum products, and agricultural industrial goods were among the top exports. Thailand also recorded a trade surplus of 17.26 billion baht with its neighbors.
Transit trade, involving shipments to non-bordering countries, grew by 4.2% to 61.34 billion baht. China remained the largest market at 34.62 billion baht, followed by Singapore and Vietnam. Hard disk drives, rubber blocks, and other rubber products were leading exports in this category. Exports to China rose by 18%, with synthetic rubber and fresh longan seeing the highest demand increases.
Trade with Myanmar increased by 9.3%, with exports up 13.9%, driven by higher sales of diesel fuel, refined petroleum, and agricultural goods.
The government continues to support trade growth by improving logistics and strengthening partnerships with regional and global trade partners. With ongoing efforts to facilitate smoother border operations and enhance economic cooperation, officials said the country’s cross-border trade is expected to maintain its upward trend in the coming months. (NNT)
