Thai trade suffers as US tariffs take effect

Export growth has hit an 11-month low

- PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

Exports grew at the slowest pace in nearly a year in August due to the impact of US tariffs, which is expected to be more pronounced from September to December, according to the Commerce Ministry.

In August, exports increased by 5.8% year-on-year to US$27.7 billion, while imports surged by 15.8% to $29.7 billion. The last time monthly export growth was this slow was September 2024 when it recorded 1.1%.

For the first eight months of 2025, exports rose by 13.3% to $223 billion, while imports grew by 11.3% to $225 billion.

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, said the slowdown in export growth for August was due to reduced shipments to the US. This decline follows the implementation of reciprocal tariffs since Aug 7.