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Commerce Ministry Boosts Exports Amid US Tariff Pressures

Commerce Ministry Boosts Exports Amid US Tariff Pressures

Bangkok Post4 days ago
The Ministry of Commerce, through the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), is accelerating efforts to expand export markets in response to US tariff measures by hosting the 'Thailand – Global Connect: Seeking New Opportunities Amidst Global Trade Challenges' business matching event. The initiative brought together 156 Thai companies and 135 importers from 29 countries, resulting in over 700 trade negotiations conducted both online and onsite. The event is expected to generate approximately 800 million baht in trade value.
Mr Suchart Chomklin, Deputy Minister of Commerce, presided over the opening ceremony on 31 July 2025 at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao, Bangkok. He stated: 'Thailand's trade economy and export sector are key drivers of national economic growth.' Despite global economic slowdowns and weakened demand from major partners in 2025, he affirmed that opportunities persist amidst the challenges. From January to June 2025, Thailand's global export value reached USD 166.85 billion (THB 5.58 trillion), marking a 15.03% increase year-on-year. Major markets include the United States, China, Japan, India, and Malaysia—with exports to the US growing 29.74%. Key export products include computers and components, rubber products, fax machines, telephones and parts, electrical transformers, and industrial machinery. While the United States remains Thailand's top export market, the global trade environment remains volatile due to shifting US trade policies. In the first half of 2025, Thailand's exports to the US totalled USD 33.41 billion (THB 1.12 trillion), accounting for 20.02% of total exports. To address uncertainty and sustain momentum, the Ministry has adopted a proactive export acceleration policy, focusing on opening new markets and enhancing the competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs. This includes connecting Thai businesses with international networks and supporting their development on the global stage.
The 'Thailand – Global Connect' event is part of this policy, aiming to create new opportunities for Thai enterprises across all major export categories—including food and beverages, lifestyle products, health and beauty, automotive parts, machinery, medical devices, and service sectors. Trade negotiations with buyers from 29 countries are expected to strengthen business alliances, expand export channels, and increase global competitiveness.
'The Ministry of Commerce anticipates trade value from this activity to reach 800 million baht. Forming international alliances and opening new trade avenues are essential to maintaining export resilience in today's unpredictable trade landscape,' concluded Mr Suchart.
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