Economy
Durian Leads Thailand’s FTA Export Utilization in First Half of 2026
Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade reports a 7.33% increase in FTA utilization, with fresh durian emerging as the top product for trade benefits.
According to a report from Prachachat Business, Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade has announced that the utilization of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) benefits reached $48.069 billion (approximately 1.57 trillion baht) during the first half of 2026. This figure represents a 7.33% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, with an overall utilization rate of 80.83%.
Fresh durian has emerged as the leading product utilizing these trade benefits, highlighting its significant role in Thailand's export economy. Furthermore, the agricultural and food sectors collectively reached an export value of $13.1 billion during this six-month period. ASEAN remains the primary destination for these trade benefits.
For residents and travelers, this data underscores the continued economic importance of the fruit export industry, which remains a cornerstone of Thailand's agricultural output. While the report confirms the high volume of trade benefits utilized, it does not specify how these trade trends might influence local market prices or the availability of premium durian for domestic consumers. Future updates from the Department of Foreign Trade will be necessary to determine if this growth trajectory continues throughout the remainder of the year and how it may impact broader agricultural supply chains.