BANGKOK — Thailand’s customs-cleared exports rose 15.5 percent in June from a year earlier, the commerce ministry said on Thursday, belowanalysts’ expectations, with a strong baht eroding trade.
The reading for June compared with a forecast 18.7 percent year-on-year increase in a Reuters poll, and followed a rise of 18.4 percent in May.
Imports rose 13.1 percent in June from a year earlier, also lower than a forecast rise of 17.75 percent.
That led to a trade surplus of $1.06 billion in June, higher than the expected $0.6 billion.
In the first six months of 2025, exports, a key driver of the economy, rose 15.0 percent from a year earlier, while imports increased 11.6 percent year on year, the ministry said.
Exports are expected to slow down in the second half of the year, with US tariffs a key factor, Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, head of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, told a press conference.
The strength of the baht is affecting export competitiveness, especially rice shipments, he added.
Thailand faces a 36 percent tariff from Washington if a deal cannot be reached before August 1.
Last week, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said Thailand expects to receive US tariff rates by August 1 that are close to those imposed on other countries in the region.
Vietnam and Indonesia now face US tariffs of 20 percent and 19 percent, respectively, significantly lower than the levels announced in April.
