DITP helps US grocery chain source Thai goods
This strategic collaboration aims to strengthen exports, enhance visibility of Thai brands and scale up the digital retail platform Topthai on H Mart's online channels.
Speaking after meeting H Mart executives, DITP director-general Sunanta Kangvalkulkij said both parties had exchanged views on the growing demand for Thai products as H Mart plans to open three new branches this year.
H Mart, the largest Asian supermarket chain in the US, has sought the DITP's support in sourcing more Thai exporters, particularly of jasmine rice, coconut water, coconut milk and tropical fruit juices.
While the company raised concerns over tariffs, it remains confident the Thai government will implement support measures without affecting US retail prices.
The DITP also discussed organising joint promotions through Topthai, a concept store designed to sell Thai products. Similar online Topthai stores have already been launched across more than 10 countries.
From Aug 30–Sept 1 last year, the DITP and H Mart held a promotion to distribute Thai products like jasmine rice, coconut water and snacks, generating over 8.4 million baht in sales.
In addition, H Mart executives have been invited to attend Thaifex–Anuga Asia 2026 to select more Thai food products for distribution and the rice product showcase in New York hosted by the International Trade Promotion Office.
H Mart operates in 16 states in the US and aims to expand to 87 branches by the end of this year. The company's annual revenue is estimated at US$1.2–1.5 billion.
It imports a variety of Thai goods, including seafood, frozen and canned fruits, dried fruits, jasmine rice, noodles, instant noodles, sauces, fermented fish sauce, snacks and ready-to-eat meals.
Commerce Minister Jatuporn Buruspat is in New York from July 19–22 to welcome Princess Ubolratana, who will chair an event to promote "Thai Select" restaurants by harnessing Thai soft power in the industry.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Bangkok Post
Private sector highlights business support measures
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has presented recommendations to the commerce minister aimed at pushing the economy forward amid global trade uncertainties. During a meeting on Thursday, the Commerce Ministry's executive team led by Commerce Minister Jatuporn Buruspat and Deputy Commerce Minister Chantawit Tantasith discussed proposals presented by the FTI and chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul. The meeting explored collaborative strategies between the government and the private sector to stimulate economic growth and address the rapidly changing trade situation, such as US tariffs, the European Union's carbon border adjustment mechanism, geopolitical tensions, rising production costs and the impacts of climate change. Mr Jatuporn said the ministry and the FTI are planning to issue a joint declaration on cooperation to systematically address challenges faced by businesses, with progress reviewed every 10 days. He said most of the FTI's proposals align with the ministry's urgent policies and will be implemented to help revive Thailand's economy. The focus is on grassroots economic development, leveraging soft power and expanding opportunities for all sectors, said Mr Jatuporn. Mr Kriengkrai outlined five economic and business support measures, including advocating for relief measures to support businesses affected by US tariffs, such as government assistance for legal and expert aid for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and reductions in related business costs such as certificate of origin fees. The private sector called on the government to accelerate tariff negotiations with the US, particularly regarding Section 232, which imposes high duties on key products such as steel, aluminium, vehicles and auto parts. The FTI recommended the government take proactive measures to mitigate trade diversion effects by initiating trade remedy actions rather than waiting for complaints from the private sector. All trade tools should be fully utilised, including anti-dumping, safeguards and countervailing duties, while monitoring unusual import surges under the Export and Import of Goods Act. The federation urged the government to explore new markets for Thai industries by expediting negotiations for new free trade agreements, such as the Thailand–Eurasian Economic Union agreement, supporting the SME proactive programme and trade missions, and increasing government procurement of made-in-Thailand products. Lastly, the FTI promoted the establishment of a long-term border trade ecosystem, calling for integrated infrastructure development and streamlined procedures to support comprehensive and sustainable border trade facilitation.
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Bangkok Post
All eyes on Trump's August 1 deadline
As global markets continue to digest US President Donald Trump's latest trade announcements, attention now turns to the rapidly approaching Aug 1 deadline that could reshape Southeast Asia's economic landscape. While recent bilateral deals have provided some clarity, Thailand faces the dual challenge of securing favourable trade terms with the US while managing an unexpected military escalation with Cambodia. Trump's tariff template The MSCI World Index of equities has continued its upward trajectory following Trump's announcement of new trade agreements that appear to establish a regional framework. Japan secured a 15% tariff rate (down from 24%), while the Philippines and Indonesia both achieved 19% rates, down from 20% and 32% respectively. These developments, combined with Vietnam's earlier 20% agreement, suggest Southeast Asian nations may face similar tariff levels. The US-Japan deal, which Trump dubbed "the largest trade deal in history", reveals the administration's negotiating blueprint. Japan's commitment to establish a $550-billion US investment fund, alongside promises to purchase 100 Boeing aircraft and billions of dollars' worth of defence equipment annually, demonstrates the scale of concessions required to secure preferential rates. However, the agreement has drawn sharp criticism from US automotive manufacturers, who argue that reducing tariffs on Japanese cars fails to address the core trade imbalance while disadvantaging American producers. With automobiles and auto parts comprising 80% of the US-Japan trade gap, industry representatives question whether the deal serves American interests. EU prepares for trade war Meanwhile, the European Union is preparing its most powerful trade retaliation tool -- the Anti-Coercion Instrument -- should Trump proceed with 30% tariffs on European goods. The EU outlined counter-tariffs on $117 billion worth of American products, including Boeing aircraft, automobiles and bourbon whiskey, signalling that trade tensions could escalate beyond Asia. European officials have indicated a willingness to accept 15% tariffs on most goods, while negotiating to keep rates on steel and aluminium at current levels, though these products may still face 50% duties. AI and monetary policy Adding to the complex global landscape, Trump signed executive orders launching his "AI Action Plan", aimed at maintaining American technological leadership through deregulation and energy infrastructure expansion. The plan emphasises federal standardisation over state-by-state regulation, while strengthening export controls to counter Chinese artificial intelligence development. On monetary policy, Trump's unprecedented visit on Thursday to the Federal Reserve -- the first presidential visit in nearly two decades -- highlighted ongoing tensions with chairman Jerome Powell over both interest rate policy and the central bank's building renovation costs. Despite public disagreements, Trump indicated he would not remove Powell over cost overruns, while continuing to pressure for rate cuts. Precarious position For Thailand, the stakes could not be higher. Without a successful trade negotiation with the US, the kingdom faces a punitive 36% tariff rate -- among the highest proposed -- creating a significant competitive disadvantage against regional peers. This cost differential of 10 to 16 percentage points compared with Vietnam (20%) and Malaysia (25%) could prompt foreign investors to relocate production bases. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira's confidence in securing competitive rates reflects the urgency of Thailand's situation. The country may need to consider sacrificing protection for certain sectors to achieve an agreement that benefits the broader economy. Cambodian conflict Thailand's trade negotiations have been complicated by an unexpected military confrontation with Cambodia. Following a Cambodian artillery attack on Thai territory, Thailand responded by deploying F-16 fighter jets to strike Cambodian firing positions, leading to a temporary 0.58% decline in the SET index. While the immediate market impact appears limited -- Cambodia represents only 3% of Thailand's total exports -- the conflict could affect specific industries dependent on the Cambodian market, particularly energy products and consumer goods including beverages and fertilisers. For Cambodia, the economic consequences are far more severe, with potential losses including worker remittances worth 6.6% of GDP and shortages of essential goods including refined oil, fertilisers and food products. Market implications InnovestX analysis suggests limited impact on major Thai stocks, as most SET50/SET100 companies have minimal Cambodian exposure. However, stocks with significant Cambodian revenue face higher risks, including Samart Aviation Solutions (SAV) with 100% exposure, Carabao Group (CBG) at 14% and the consumer finance firm Aeon Thana Sinsap (AEONTS) with 7%. We maintain a cautious outlook, noting Thailand's structural disadvantage when it comes to trade requires urgent diplomatic resolution before the Aug 1 deadline. In the longer term, Thailand must diversify its trade relationships and accelerate free trade agreement negotiations with other regions to reduce dependence on the US market. Investment strategy In this environment of heightened volatility, investors are advised to maintain diversified portfolios across defensive stocks, government bonds, commodities including gold, and alternative assets. The Thai stock market is expected to consolidate while awaiting new catalysts and monitoring trade negotiation progress. As the Aug 1 deadline approaches, Thailand's ability to navigate both trade negotiations and regional security challenges will prove crucial for maintaining investor confidence and economic stability. The coming weeks will determine whether the kingdom can secure terms that preserve its competitive position in an increasingly fragmented global economy.
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Bangkok Post
Aid efforts aim to ease the burden
The Finance Ministry has issued measures to alleviate the economic impact on communities along the Thai-Cambodian border by implementing debt suspensions, interest rate reductions, and low-interest loan measures for affected individuals. According to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, the unrest stemming from clashes between security forces along the Thai-Cambodian border has affected the safety of local residents and disturbed the economy and social fabric of communities. The incidents have caused property damage and disrupted the livelihoods, occupations, and businesses of the people in the area, he said. In response, the ministry directed state financial institutions to offer various measures to alleviate the impact. For example, Government Savings Bank is to offer a suspension on principal repayments and partial interest payments, along with low-interest loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at a monthly interest rate of 0.75%, with a repayment term of 60 months. For SMEs, loans of up to 5 million baht per borrower are available, with a first-year interest rate matching the minimum loan rate (MLR) minus 2.65%, followed by the MLR for the remainder of the seven-year loan term. Meanwhile, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives plans to provide emergency loans for consumer expenses, up to 50,000 baht per borrower at the minimum retail rate for a loan term of up to three years. The first six months are interest-free. According to Mr Pichai, the SME Development Bank of Thailand is to offer a fixed interest rate of 3% a year for three years, with a maximum loan term of 10 years. The Export-Import Bank of Thailand plans to extend debt repayment periods up to 365 days, reduce interest rates by up to 20% of the original rate, and provide a temporary credit line increase of up to 30% of the original limit for one year, with a starting interest rate of 2.99% a year. In addition, the Comptroller-General's Department increased the emergency spending authority for provincial governors along the Cambodian border to 100 million baht in four provinces -- Surin, Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani -- to support relief efforts for people affected by border-related issues. Governors are usually authorised to spend no more than 20 million baht under emergency provisions. In a separate development, Suwannee Jatsadasak, assistant governor of the Bank of Thailand's financial institutions policy group, said the central bank is monitoring how financial institutions are supporting both their employees and customers during the disputes. Thai financial institutions with branches in Cambodia have gradually repatriated their Thai staff, with all expected to return to Thailand as of yesterday. Some bank branches in Thai border provinces, specifically Surin, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Buri Ram, Sa Kaeo, Trat and Chanthaburi, have been temporarily closed. On Thursday, the Thai Bankers' Association announced its member banks are temporarily closing their branches along the Thai-Cambodian border to ensure the safety of customers and the public, citing unrest in the area that has resulted in loss of life, property damage, and disruption to local livelihoods.
