Thailand July Exports Surge 21.6% on AI Demand

Thailand's exports grew 21.6% year-on-year in July, led by a 68% surge in electronics shipments that totaled $10.2 billion. Nantapong Chiralerspong, Director General of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, attributed this growth to rising global demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure and high-tech investment.

Agricultural exports, specifically rice and rubber, returned to expansion with a 0.6% increase to $2.77 billion. While imports rose 36.7%, the national trade deficit narrowed to $3.6 billion. The Ministry of Commerce expects total export value to reach a record high this year.

This growth follows more than $30 billion in electronics sector investments since 2023, tracked by the Thai Board of Investment. These investments focus primarily on advanced semiconductor packaging and printed circuit boards. Additionally, the Office of Industrial Economics reported a 0.46% year-on-year increase in manufacturing production for July.