Thailand to Impose 30% Import Duty on E-Commerce Goods Starting 2027

The Thai Ministry of Commerce has announced that a new import duty of up to 30% on goods purchased through international e-commerce platforms will take effect on January 1, 2027. According to the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (OTPS), this policy, recently approved by the Cabinet, is expected to have a limited impact on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with an estimated inflationary effect of approximately 0.70%.

For residents and consumers, the policy shift suggests potential price adjustments across various product categories. Items that have seen price declines over the past ten months—such as headphones, screen protectors, televisions, bags, jewelry, computers, and tablets—may see these downward trends stabilize or reverse if retailers pass the increased import costs onto consumers. Similarly, products already experiencing price growth, including mobile phones, sports equipment, and smartwatches, could face additional upward pressure.

While the OTPS has provided this initial analysis, the exact extent to which these costs will be absorbed by vendors versus passed on to buyers remains to be seen. Residents who frequently order goods from overseas platforms should monitor their preferred retailers for updates on pricing structures as the implementation date approaches. The government continues to evaluate the broader economic implications of this measure.