Thailand's export landscape plays a vital role in its economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. In 2023, Thai exporters shipped US$279.8 billion worth of products around the globe.
In 2024, several key categories are expected to dominate the Thai export market reflecting emerging trends and opportunities in international trade. This guide explores the nation’s export statistics to find Thailand’s top exports by category, providing insights for businesses looking to export goods from Thailand to the rest of the world.
Electrical machinery and equipment
Electrical machinery and equipment is set to continue to be one of the major exports of Thailand. This sector includes a wide range of products such as integrated circuits, semiconductors, and telecommunications equipment.
Thai manufacturers are known for their extremely high-quality standards and innovative technologies, which makes their products highly sought after by the majority of the global market.
The international reputation of Thai electrical machinery is built on stringent quality controls and adherence to international standards. Major markets for these exports include the United States, China, and Japan, where demand for advanced electronics continues to rise.
The growth of the technology sector worldwide ensures sustained demand for Thai electrical machinery, which helps to solidify its position as one of the top exports from Thailand in 2024.
Vehicles
The automotive industry is another cornerstone of Thailand's export economy. Known as the "Detroit of Asia," Thailand is a major hub for vehicle manufacturing, producing a diverse range of cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
The country’s automotive sector is characterised by its advanced manufacturing capabilities, skilled labour force, and strategic location, which facilitate efficient export operations.
Thai exporters ship vehicles to numerous countries, including Australia, Japan, and the ASEAN region. The types of vehicles exported vary, from eco-friendly electric vehicles (EVs) to robust pickup trucks, catering to the diverse needs of the market.
The ongoing shift towards sustainable transportation, and the growing demand for EVs globally, present significant opportunities for Thai vehicle exports, ensuring their prominence in the international market in 2024.
Rubber and rubber articles
Thailand is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of natural rubber. This sector encompasses a variety of products, including rubber gloves, tires, and other industrial rubber goods. The high quality of rubber, as well as the by-products, that Thailand produces has earned the country a strong reputation among other nations in the market.
Global demand for Thai rubber is driven by its essential role in the automotive, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. Tires, in particular, is a significant contributor to Thailand’s export economy, frequently showing up as one of the most exported products on Thailand’s export products list, with major markets in the United States, Japan, and China.
As these industries continue to expand and innovate, the demand for Thai rubber and rubber articles remains robust, making it one of the most promising Thai exports in 2024.
Gems and precious metals
Thailand's gem and jewellery industry is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and diverse range of products, which is recognised all over the world as well. Thai gem and precious metal exports include gems like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, as well as gold and silver jewelry.
Thai artisans specifically are celebrated for their meticulous attention to detail and innovative designs, which have earned them a prominent place in the global jewellery market, making this category one of the major exports of Thailand.
The international demand for Thai gems and precious metals is also fueled by their quality, beauty, and affordability. Major markets that Thailand ships gems and jewellery to include the United States, Europe, and China, where they’re used in a number of settings and occasions.
Plastics and plastic articles
Thailand's expertise in the plastics industry is another key driver of its export economy. The country produces a wide range of plastic products, from household items to industrial components, which are exported to markets all around the world. In 2023, Thailand trade statistics indicate that the nation exported $13 billion worth of plastic products globally.
Two of the key factors that make Thai plastic exports extremely attractive to international buyers are its high quality, and its competitive prices compared to others in the industry.
The global demand for plastic products spans quite a number of sectors, including packaging, construction, and automotive industries. Thailand's ability to produce innovative and sustainable plastic solutions, such as biodegradable plastics, also positions it well to meet the growing environmental concerns of consumers, likely further increasing the industry’s revenue. For these reasons, export of plastic products from Thailand continues to be strong and is expected to be a strong category in 2024.
Export products from Thailand with DHL Express
Thailand's diverse export portfolio underscores the country's economic resilience and its ability to meet global demand across various sectors. As international trade continues to evolve, Thai exports such as electrical machinery, vehicles, rubber products, gems, and plastics are set to play a crucial role in the global market in 2024.
The demand for Thai exports offers a number of golden opportunities for Thai businesses to expand their customer base. Leveraging the expertise and services of logistics partners like DHL Express can streamline the export process, making it easy for businesses to start shipping from Thailand to the rest of the world.ensuring efficient and reliable delivery.
To get started with us, register for a DHL Express business account today, or reach out to our team of customer service offers for more information!
