Bangkok: Thailand’s exports increased for the ninth consecutive month in March, more than expected, and they reached their highest level in three years, but steep US tariffs are still a problem, according to the commerce ministry’s statement on Thursday ( Apr 24 ).
Exports, a major force behind Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, increased 17.8 % in March from a year earlier, over the forecast rise of 13.5 percent in a Reuters poll, surpassing the 14.0 % increase in February.
Exports increased 15.2 % year-on-year in the January-March period. Exports are expected to increase by 2 to 3 percent this year, up from a record US$ 30 billion in 2024, according to the business ministry’s estimates.
Exports to the largest market in Thailand, the United States, increased by 34.3 % in March, while shipments to China increased by 22.4 %.
Imports increased by 10.2 % in March from a year earlier, surpassing the expected increase of 6.1 %.
Compared to the US$ 1.1 billion that was forecasted next month, the nation recorded a trade deficit of US$ 0.97 billion.
Next year, the United States was Thailand’s largest export market, containing 18.3 % of total shipping, or US$ 54.96 billion. Washington has estimated that its gap with Thailand is US$ 45.6 billion. Thailand is one of the Southeast Asian nations that has been hardest hit by US President Donald Trump’s actions, and if a reduction didn’t be agreed upon before a world moratorium expires in July, it could face a 36 % price.
The ministry’s affirmation stated that” the global economy is in trouble because of US tariffs and punitive tariffs from other countries,” and that” the export of Thailand in 2025 are in danger of being affected.”  ,