Page 199 - รายงานประจำปี 2568 กรมศุลกากร

2025
Overview of Imports and Key Highlights in Fiscal Year

The value of imports in FY 2025 reached from China more easily. Express shipments from
a record high, primarily attributable to the continuous China valued at not more than THB 1,500 per item
appreciation of the Thai baht throughout the year, accounted for 92.8% of the total value of such express
which helped importers reduce the cost of importing imports. The fastest-growing imported goods
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goods from abroad .This was due to the depreciation (excluding gold) included capital goods, such as
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of the U.S. dollar stemming from uncertainties machinery and engines, as well as intermediate goods
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surrounding U.S. trade policies, which affected investor related to the electronics industry, including integrated
confidence in U.S. dollar-denominated assets. Despite circuits, computer components, telephones and
efforts to lower the policy interest rate to curb the accessories, flat panel displays, switches, relays,
continued appreciation of the baht, the Thai baht fuses, and printed circuits. However, the strong
remained at a relatively strong level compared with other expansion of imports in these groups reflects structural
regional currencies. In addition, investment-related risks in Thailand’s economy and manufacturing
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factors showed an upward trend. Applications for sector, indicating reliance on imports (Import Influx
investment promotion submitted to the Board of Trap). Weak domestic production capacity has limited
Investment (BOI) during January–June 2025 reached the ability to upgrade manufacturing competitiveness,
THB 1 trillion, expanding by 138%, mainly concentrated resulting in dependence on imported raw materials and
in future industries such as electric vehicles, intermediate goods for both domestic consumption
semiconductors, electronics, and digital industries. and export-oriented production, which generates
These included large-scale data centers, electric relatively low value added or merely supports trading
vehicle manufacturing plants, PCU manufacturing activities without substantial production processes .
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plants, battery cell manufacturing plants for electric This risk extends beyond the electronics industry to
vehicles and energy storage systems, manufacturing other sectors with high dependence on imported raw
plants for special capacitors used in notebooks and materials and intermediate goods, such as automotive
smartphones, chip assembly and testing plants, and parts, plastic products, steel and aluminum, and
integrated circuit manufacturing, among others . electrical appliances. Studies indicate inconsistencies
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China remained Thailand’s largest trading partner, between export values and domestic production activity
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accounting for 30.1% of total import value, with the values, raising concerns that some goods may be
highest import value of THB 3.36 trillion, an increase imported for origin circumvention and re-exported—
of THB 597 billion (+21.6%) . This was consistent particularly to the U.S.—to evade tariff measures.
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with China’s continuously expanding exports, with As a result, Thailand faces potential risks of U.S.
Thailand serving as a key destination for absorbing import duties of up to 40% and intensified origin
excess domestic demand through the utilization of verification, which could directly affect Thai exports
the ASEAN–China Free Trade Agreement and RCEP. in the long term . This situation represents a key
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In addition, indirect impacts from the U.S. Reciprocal challenge for Thailand’s industrial sector amid
Tariff policy—under which import duties on Chinese changes in global trade rules and the transition from
goods were raised to as high as 60%, compared with traditional industries to future industries, necessitating
19% for Thailand—served as a significant catalyst for accelerated development of advanced manufacturing
the inflow of Chinese goods. capabilities, new workforce skills, and sustainable
The growth of e-commerce platforms further positioning within global supply chains.
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enabled consumers to purchase low-priced goods

Mr. Phurirat Thamcharoen
Tax Collection Analysis and Monitoring Section
Customs Intelligence Data Processing Center
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1 pier.or.th bangkokbiznews.com thaipublica.org osos.boi.go.th scbeic.com thestandard.co กรมศุลกากร tdri.or.th
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The Customs Department ANNUAL REPORT 2025 197