EN
中文
ไทย
Message
Leave a message for consultation, you will receive
One on one exclusive financial and tax consultation
Free Practical Information for Going Overseas to Thailand
Analyze the challenges and opportunities of the industry in Thailand
*
*
*
*

News

Home  / NEWS  / Thailand Investment Guide
China's Share of Thailand's Imports Rises to 31.1% Over a Decade
2026-10-23

On 20 October, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office of Thailand's Ministry of Commerce released an analysis: from 2016 to 2025, China's share of Thailand's imports rose from 21.6% to 31.1%, and the US share of Thailand's exports rose from 11.4% to 21.4%; foreign direct investment into Thailand grew 30.3% in 2025 to USD 19.1 billion.

A Decade of Change in Trade Structure

The report says Thailand's links with major markets and supply chains have deepened markedly. From 2016 to 2025:

  • The US share of exports rose from 11.4% to 21.4%;

  • China's share of imports rose from 21.6% to 31.1%;

  • Taiwan's share of imports rose from 3.7% to 7.4%.

Technology and electronics products have also gained weight: the export share of computer equipment (HS 8471) rose from 4.9% to 6.7%, the export share of communications equipment (HS 8517) rose from 1.2% to 5.1%, and the import share of integrated circuits (HS 8542) rose from 4.8% to 10.0%.

The report cautions that some short-term data may be affected by front-loaded exports ahead of tariffs taking effect and by inventory adjustments.

Foreign Direct Investment Up 30%

Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Thailand grew 30.3% in 2025 to USD 19.1 billion (about RMB 135.6 billion), with investment trending toward electronics, semiconductors, the digital economy and renewable energy. The report positions Thailand as a "connector economy" and notes that companies widely adopt strategies such as "China+1", nearshoring or friendshoring, and stockpiling critical supplies.

Challenges Highlighted in the Report

  • High dependence on a small number of markets and raw material sources;

  • Competition from Chinese products and pressure from overcapacity;

  • Rules of origin, as well as environmental, labor and traceability standards;

  • Export growth accompanied by rising imports of high-value components, so domestic value added may not rise in step.

Five Recommendations

  1. Diversify markets, products and raw material sources;

  2. Upgrade industries, raise domestic value added, and integrate SMEs into global supply chains;

  3. Adapt to new trade rules and standards;

  4. Deepen strategic economic partnerships;

  5. Develop infrastructure and supply chain risk management.

Read Alongside Other Official Announcements This Week

In the same week, the Ministry of Commerce said the Thailand-European Free Trade Association FTA is targeted to enter into force on 1 January 2027 and the Thailand-EU FTA negotiations are targeted for conclusion within 2026; the press release on the Toyota hydrogen fuel cell pickup project approved by the BOI specifically stated local purchases of raw materials and parts of about THB 640 million a year. More FTAs and investment projects that emphasize local purchasing are consistent with the report's recommendations to "raise domestic value added and adapt to new rules".

Key Points

  • China's share of Thailand's imports rose from 21.6% to 31.1% over ten years.

  • The US share of exports rose from 11.4% to 21.4%.

  • FDI grew 30.3% in 2025 to USD 19.1 billion, concentrated in electronics, semiconductors, digital and renewable energy.

  • Officials are focused on rules of origin, traceability standards and domestic value added.

Z&X Insight

The report repeatedly refers to rules of origin and domestic value added. A Thai factory's local sourcing ratio, raw material sources and production processes affect both its eligibility for preferential tariffs on exports and the conditions of BOI projects. Companies planning to build a factory in Thailand should check these at the project approval stage. Z&X Company Registration & Approval Services for Chinese Manufacturers in Thailand work backward from the production start date, placing company setup, BOI, factory licensing, equipment import and staff visas on a single schedule; for how the schedule is arranged, see our manufacturing setup roadmap solution.

Sources

  • สนค. แนะไทยเร่งสร้างมูลค่าเพิ่ม คว้าโอกาสจากการปรับห่วงโซ่อุปทานโลก เสริมความยืดหยุ่นทางการค้า (TPSO Urges Thailand to Accelerate Value Creation, Seize Opportunities from Global Supply Chain Shifts and Strengthen Trade Resilience) | Ministry of Commerce, Trade Policy and Strategy Office | 2026-10-20 | https://www.moc.go.th/th/gallery/category/detail/id/5/iid/2291

Home Workers Protection Amendment Proposes 15% Interest on Late Pay
The Thai government announced on 22 October that an amendment to the Home Workers Protection Act has been submitted to the House of Representatives: employers who fail to pay home workers on time must pay default interest at 15% a year, plus a further 15% for every full seven days of willful default; the scope of the law is proposed to expand from industry to commerce, agriculture and services.
Home Workers Protection Amendment Proposes 15% Interest on Late Pay
Department of Intellectual Property Unveils DIP One Plan, to Amend Four Laws
On 19 October, the new Director-General of Thailand's Department of Intellectual Property announced the "DIP One" work direction: setting up a fast track for registration, pushing amendments to four laws including the Patent Act and the Copyright Act, and piloting the use of intellectual property as collateral for financing, with a two-phase timeline of 6 months to 1 year and 1 to 2 years.
Department of Intellectual Property Unveils DIP One Plan, to Amend Four Laws
SERVICES
Company Registration & Approvals BOI Investment Promotion Advisory & Training Audit & Assurance Strategic & Special Advisory Accounting & Tax Outsourcing
SOLUTIONS
Factory setup roadmap: registration to production Finance and tax for manufacturers The registration and BOI application process for Thai companies is complex There are significant differences between Thai accounting standards and those in China Tax declaration is prone to errors and difficult to control risks Slow service response and low communication efficiency Deviation in understanding BOI policies and difficulty in implementing preferential policies Financial software system is incompatible Irregular bill management and high tax risks Language and cultural differences lead to high communication costs Difficulties in building a local financial team Lack of strategic financial and tax planning
TEAMS
Financial and Tax Advisory Think Tank Team Chinese accounting team Thai Accounting Team
ECOLOGY
Government and Investment Promotion System Core Industrial Park Cooperation Network Collaborative system between banks and finance Business associations and Chinese enterprise platforms Capital and Industrial Ecological Resources Digitalization and Technology Ecology
CUSTOMERS
Case Studies Manufacturing Trade and e-commerce Engineering and Infrastructure New Energy and Technology
NEWS
Thailand Investment Guide Z&X Insights FAQ
ABOUT
About Us​ History Culture CODE Model Licenses & Certificates Contact Us

Copyright: Zhongxin Finance and Taxation Group  |  辽ICP备2024035072号-2

Design by winseo.cc

080-964-6222
dongxin@zhongxintax.com