The Department of Trade Negotiations has revealed that Thailand's trade with FTA partner countries in the first half of 2026 reached a value of USD 243,669 million, an increase of 21.8%, representing 57.3% of Thailand's total trade with the world. Trade with China ranked first. The increase in imports consisted mainly of capital goods and raw materials that support exports. The department is preparing to push ahead with negotiations on the Thailand–EU, Thailand–South Korea, and ASEAN–Canada FTAs to achieve progress in line with targets, while also upgrading the ASEAN–India agreement and driving the signing of the comprehensive Thailand–Peru FTA.
Ms. Chotima Eiamsawatdikul, Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Commerce, disclosed that during the six months of 2026 (January–June), trade between Thailand and its FTA partner countries — namely ASEAN, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Peru, and Chile — totalled USD 243,669 million, up 21.8%, accounting for 57.3% of Thailand's trade with the world. Thailand's exports to FTA partner countries amounted to USD 105,494 million, up 12.6%, while imports from FTA partner countries amounted to USD 138,175 million, up 30%.
China was Thailand's most important FTA trading partner, with total trade valued at USD 91,513 million, representing 37.6% of trade with all FTA partner countries. This was followed by Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and India, which are key export markets and also serve as production bases linked to the countries' supply chains.
In terms of exports to FTA markets, strong growth was recorded across many countries: Singapore rose 74%, Australia rose 43.9%, the Lao PDR rose 36.4%, Malaysia rose 27%, Vietnam rose 20.2%, Japan rose 12.9%, and India rose 10%. This reaffirms that FTA markets remain a key driver of Thai exports. Breaking down performance by product, agricultural goods such as fresh, chilled, frozen, and dried fruits rose 16.8%, and processed chicken rose 7.6%. Among industrial goods, gems and jewellery rose 26%, electrical circuits rose 20.6%, computers, equipment, and components rose 18.5%, rubber products rose 10.4%, and automobiles, equipment, and components rose 3.8%.
As for imports from FTA partner countries, although they grew at a rate higher than exports, the majority consisted of goods that support investment and production. More than 75% of the value of imports from FTA partner countries comprised raw materials, intermediate goods, and capital goods — such as electrical machinery and components, electrical circuits, mechanical machinery, chemicals, as well as iron, steel, and related products — all of which are key factors in enhancing production efficiency, adding value to Thai goods, and strengthening competitiveness in global markets.
"Although the global economy continues to face challenges from geopolitical tensions, trade protectionist measures, and supply chain uncertainty, free trade agreements (FTAs) serve as a crucial mechanism for creating trade opportunities and maintaining Thailand's competitiveness — in terms of expanding export markets, linking production supply chains, and accessing raw materials essential to industry. As a result, trade between Thailand and its FTA partner countries has continued to expand strongly and plays an important role in driving Thailand's trade and production sectors to adapt and grow continuously," said Ms. Chotima.
Nevertheless, in the second half of 2026, the department will move forward with expanding and upgrading FTAs in order to create new trade opportunities and strengthen the country's competitiveness in line with the rapidly changing global trade environment. It will accelerate the push for progress on the Thailand–European Union, Thailand–South Korea, and ASEAN–Canada FTA negotiations within the established frameworks, while simultaneously upgrading existing agreements such as the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement, and driving the comprehensive Thailand–Peru FTA toward signing. The department will also closely monitor global trade developments and the trade measures of partner countries, and will coordinate with ASEAN member states in strengthening supply chain resilience, so that ASEAN remains an open, interconnected region and a vital global hub for trade, investment, and production.
