Thailand’s Trade with FTA Partners Grows 21.8% in First Half of 2026

According to a report from Prachachat Business citing the Department of Trade Negotiations, Thailand’s trade with its 18 Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners experienced significant growth during the first half of 2026. Total trade value reached $243.67 billion, marking a 21.8% increase compared to the previous year and accounting for 57.3% of Thailand’s total global trade.

Data indicates that exports grew by 12.6%, while imports saw a sharper rise of 30%. Notably, over 75% of these imports consisted of raw materials, intermediate goods, and capital goods, suggesting a robust industrial demand. China continues to hold its position as Thailand’s primary trading partner.

For residents and travelers, this data highlights a period of high economic activity and industrial movement within the country. The reliance on imported raw materials suggests that local manufacturing sectors remain active, which may influence the availability and pricing of various consumer goods. While the trade figures provide a clear snapshot of current economic performance, the long-term impact of this import-export imbalance on the national currency and local inflation remains to be confirmed. Observers will be watching to see if the high volume of imported intermediate goods translates into sustained growth for the remainder of the year.