Bangkok: Border exports in April 2025 maintained strong growth, increasing by 8.7% with a total trade value of 165,555 million baht. The government remains optimistic about the potential for border trade to bolster the economy throughout the year.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced that exports reached 96,854 million baht, marking a 4.7% rise, while imports stood at 68,701 million baht, a 14.9% increase. This resulted in a trade surplus of 28,153 million baht. Cumulatively, the first four months of 2025 saw a total trade value of 632,397 million baht, a 10.7% increase, with exports at 352,678 million baht, up 7.9%, and imports at 279,719 million baht, up 13.1%, resulting in a trade surplus of 72,959 million baht.
In April, significant export products included hard disk drives valued at 7.74 billion baht, computers and related equipment at 2.599 billion baht, and electrical circuit boards at 1.638 billion baht. Other key exports were TSNR rubber blocks, synthetic rubber, and concentrated latex. Notably, durian exports, largely to China, amounted to 16.575 billion baht.
Ms. Sasikarn detailed that border trade with neighboring countries in April was valued at 81,062 million baht, a 6.3% increase. Exports accounted for 49,149 million baht and imports for 31,913 million baht, resulting in a trade surplus of 17,236 million baht. Malaysia led in trade value at 25,123 million baht, followed by Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Diesel, refined oils, and beverages were prominent border export items. Over four months, border trade totaled 344,032 million baht, a 5.3% rise.
Cross-border trade in April was valued at 84,493 million baht, an 11.1% increase, with exports at 47,705 million baht and imports at 36,788 million baht. China was the largest trade partner, with significant contributions from Singapore and Vietnam. Key exports included fresh durian, hard disk drives, and TSNR rubber blocks. Cumulative cross-border trade for the first four months reached 288,365 million baht, a 16.5% increase.
Ms. Sasikarn conveyed the government's commitment, led by Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, to enhance border and cross-border trade. The aim is to drive economic growth, boost competitiveness, and develop infrastructure in collaboration with neighboring countries, ensuring that border areas evolve into stable economic gateways for Thailand.