Thailand posts export growth for second straight month
Thailand has recorded export growth for a second straight month in September, when the revenue increased 2.1% month on month to 920.39 billion THB (25.48 billion USD).
Vessels near Bangkok Port of Thailand (Photo: Reuters)
Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand has recordedexport growth for a second straight month in September, when the revenue increased2.1% month on month to 920.39 billion THB (25.48 billion USD).
The driving forcebehind the export growth was agricultural products, especially fruits likedurian and mangosteen as well as rice, which saw a surge in demand inSub-Saharan Africa and Indonesia. Demand for high-tech products likesolar cells and mobile phones was also high, said Keerati Ruschano, Permanent Secretaryof the Commerce Ministry.
In contrast, imports droppedby 8.3%, resulting in a trade surplus of 2.09 billion USD.
He noted theglobal manufacturing sector remained contracted in September, and recovery ofmain markets has yet to gain momentum. Geopolitical tension and prolonged highinterest rates have also cast a shadow over global economic prospects.
Key export marketslike China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and South Asiacontinue showing signs of expansion though uncertainty remains due to globaleconomic pressures.
Keerati expressedoptimism about the export trend in upcoming months. Moreover, stabilityin food supply and heightened demand from the service and tourism sectorsduring the holiday season are expected to boost the export of agricultural andfood products.
There are also plenty of growth opportunities in the realm ofindustrial goods in line with digital technology and clean energy trends, he said.
The Thai CommerceMinistry has collaborated closely with the private sector to promote tradeactivities, negotiate trade pacts, and monitor and respond to new risks arisingfrom the Israel - Hamas conflict, which could have far-reaching implicationsfor global trends in the future, the official added./.
The Industry Ministry is being asked to allow the creation of a new regulatory unit to help it monitor product standards, aiming to control the influx of cheap Chinese imports, said the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Aiming to become the world's food supplier, Thailand is making efforts to incubate innovation in its agricultural sector, improve farming methods to increase the productivity and value of agricultural products, as well as support farmers in the transition to smart agriculture.
Thai exports in 2024 are likely to rebound to growth of 3.6% from a projected decline of 2% this year, according to the latest forecast by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
The China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC) is interested in a proposed 1-trillion-baht (27.4 billion USD) landbridge project that will link the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, according to the Thai government.
Thailand’s Deputy Minister of Finance Julapun Amornvivat on October 19 announced that the scheme to give 10,000 THB (274 USD) in handouts via digital wallets to more than 50 million people in the country will not be started on February 1, 2024 as planned.
The handover ceremony was held at the Malaysian Embassy headquarters in Mexico City on August 8, with the presence of heads of diplomatic missions from ASEAN member states in Mexico.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Vessels near Bangkok Port of Thailand (Photo: Reuters) 
