Thailand Imports Rise the Most in Near 3 Years

Imports to Thailand grew 18.0% yoy to a fresh high of USD 29.92 billion in May 2025, accelerating from a 16.1% rise in April and marking the 12th straight month of increase.

It was also the fastest growth since August 2022, boosted by a further rise in domestic demand following Bangkok’s US$15 billion stimulus package aiming at shielding the economy from mounting global pressures, notably the effects of U.S.

tariffs.

Imports rose for capital goods (41.1%), raw materials, semi-finished products (19.3%), consumer goods (10.1%), and transport equipment (23.8%), but fell for fuel products (-11.8%) and others (-4.8%).

Commodity-wise, purchases gained for most categories: computers and components (157.9%), jewelry, gems, silver (142.0%), machinery & components (24.1%), iron and steel (20.0%), and auto components (16.6%).

By contrast, arrivals fell for crude oil (-13.7%), circuit board (-12.9%), and plant products (-12.6%).

For the first five months of the year, imports expanded 11.3%.