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Main Imports & Leading Importers In Thailand

In Southeast Asia's international trade market 2025, Thailand stands as a leading player in cross-border trade. To support its industrial, agricultural, and consumer sectors, the country continues to import emerging goods and material with a diversified economy and strategic location. Thailand's foreign trade is experiencing consistent growth, with imports reaching a substantial part of its GDP, as per the World Bank and OEC. 
Main Imports & Leading Importers in Thailand

For global suppliers, trade analysts, and local stakeholders, focusing on Thailand's main imports and identifying leading partners is essential for overall success. Businesses can develop cost-effective and smarter product sourcing strategies, and policy-makers can better analyze economic dependencies and opportunities by understanding which commodities are going to lead the import market in the future.

Continue reading to explore Thailand import statistics, Thailand international trade partners, and platform to find genuine Thai importers online!

Thailand's Trade & Import Trends 2025 - Overview

Thailand's import performance has shown positive results in early 2025. As per the Trading Economics, with a 6.3% year-on-year increase the imports in January 2025 reached around USD 27.2 billion. This fast increase is because of industrial recovery, infrastructure spending, and stronger consumer demand.

Import includes capital goods, intermediate goods, consumer goods, and fuels, which shows Thailand's dependency on raw materials and equipment for its manufacturing and export-oriented economy. The World Integrated Trade Solutions (WITS) report says that intermediate goods make up the bulk of imports, especially components that are used in electronics and automotive assembly.

However, tourism growth, digital infrastructure investment, and stronger regional trade integration under the RCEP makes Thailand's economic outlook 2025 profitable and efficient.

Main Imports in Thailand 2025

The following are the top major Thailand imports in 2025:

1. Crude Petroleum

To fuel its transportation and power generation sectors, Thailand remains heavily dependent on crude petroleum. Imports come primarily from the Middle East and Asia as local production remains limited. Global oil price fluctuation and energy transition trends are influencing Thailand's energy strategy in 2025. As the petrochemical facilities expand, crude oil imports are expected to grow to meet industrial needs.

2. Gold

The next on the list is Gold which is one of the most traded commodities of Thailand. It is imported primarily for jewelry manufacturing and investment. With imports coming from countries like Switzerland and the UAE, Bangkok is a regional hub for gold refining and distribution. Thai gold imports will remain flexible in 2025, because of the continued global economic uncertainty.

3. Motor Vehicles & Parts

With a strong automotive manufacturing sector, Thailand is known as the "Detroit of Asia". The industry still relied heavily on complete knockdown (CKD) kits, engines, and transmission parts. Especially from Japan, South Korea, and Germany, the country's imports in this category will remain strong in 2025.

4. Electrical & Electronic Equipment

The fourth category includes circuit boards, semiconductors, telecom gear, and data processing machines. As Thailand pushes towards Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing, electronic component imports are becoming important. China, Malaysia, and Japan are the major partners.

5. Mineral Fuels

To meet the rising demands, Thailand imports refined petroleum, natural gas, and coal in addition to energy demands. The import of LNG (liquified natural gas) is expected to rise in 2025 as the country prefers to adopt sustainable and green alternatives.

6. Agriculture & Food Imports

In the agricultural and food imports sector, Thailand imports key agri-food items such as soybeans, oilcake, wheat, meat, food preparations, and animal feed. The major suppliers are the U.S., Brazil, and Australia. Thailand continues to rely on imports to support its livestock and food processing industries, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Emerging & Strategic Import Sectors for 2025

As per the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy model, Thailand is aligning its trade strategy. According to the BCG Strategy Report, the most high-growth and competitive sectors include biofuels, agricultural inputs, advanced electronics, and medical products. For wellness products and clean energy technology, the government is also encouraging imports.

The strategic imports that are gaining popularity are U.S. corn, soybean meal, LNG, aircraft parts, and high-end electronics. This change plays a key role in promoting sustainable industrial growth and energy diversification in Thailand.

Leading Import Partners / Countries

Below is the List of top importing companies in Thailand 2025:

  • China (USD 69–70B)

  • Japan (USD 31B)

  • Malaysia

  • United States (USD 12B)

  • United Arab Emirates (USD 9B)

According to Procurement Tactics, China leads the market because of its massive share in electronics, machinery, and consumer goods. With high-value machinery and automotive parts, Japan is in second place.

The U.S. is making its position stronger in agriculture, food ingredients, and energy exports to Thailand because of its favourable tariff adjustments and changes in trade policy.

Breakdown by Import Category

China & Japan: Lead electronics, industrial machinery, and energy feedstocks.

United States: The country is popular in supplying agri-food products, such as soybeans, corn, and beef, and is expanding into energy exports like LNG.

UAE: The country remains a major partner for mineral fuels and gold.

As per the Export Development Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Thailand diversifies its sourcing beyond Asia, and the U.S. is expected to gain more market share in 2025.

Major Thai Importing Companies / Sectors

The following are the leading Thai importing companies and sectors that are popular in the Thailand import market in 2025:

1. PTT Public Company Limited

The company is Thailand's state oil giant, which is the largest importer of crude oil, LNG, and refined petroleum.

2. Toyota Motor Thailand

Toyota Motor Thailand is a major automotive manufacturer that imports high-volume CKD kits, auto parts, and specialty components for local assembly.

3. Western Digital & Seagate Thailand

The company is the key player in the electronics and semiconductor sectors that imports high-end electronics parts and machinery.

4. CP Group

They are Thailand's largest agribusiness organization, CP imports animal feed, soybean meal, and food processing inputs.

The above-mentioned Thai importing companies are important for Thailand's supply chain, which directly influences demand trends. (Source: The Thai Customs Department)

Regulatory & Trade Policy Environment

To support trade growth, Thailand is actively revising its tariff policies. To ease import restrictions on several agri-food products and boost U.S. exporter access, the government is planning to reduce the 73% tariff on U.S. corn as of 2025. However, the government has restricted legal imports, including e-waste and low quality Chinese goods, which have reduced by over 20% according to Thai Customs data.

This improvement aims to make the trade compliance better, ensure product safety, and strengthen strategic sourcing.

How to Find Verified Thai Importers Online

Finding Thailand-based importers is easier through trusted platforms. The following are the reputable online sites:

- Thailand B2B Platform

1. Lazada

The most popular online shopping platform in Thailand is Lazada. To connect with local buyers, small-scale importers, or distributors, Lazada can be a great starting point. Many Thai businesses use Lazada to procure products like electronics, fashion, home goods, and beauty items from both local and international sellers. For international exporters, this platform provides a seamless way to understand what's trending in the Thai market. The user-friendly interface and strong logistics support also make it easier for sellers to deliver products efficiently to customers all over Thailand.

2. Thaitrade.com

Thaitrade.com is Thailand's official B2B e-commerce platform run by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP). The platform is designed to help Thai businesses in promoting their products globally and to help foreign businesses connect with the top importers in Thailand. Since it is managed by the government, users can expect reliable and verified business contacts. If you are dealing in textiles, food products, machinery, or electronics, this platform provides a secure way to build B2B relationships. The website is available in English and Thai, making it convenient for global suppliers who want to enter the Thai market with confidence and credibility.

3. Tradewheel.com

The third on the list is Tradewheel.com, which is a trusted and competitive B2B marketplace to connect with wholesale importers in Thailand or from around the world. If you are looking for serious Thai buyers in sectors like electronics, agriculture, food, or industrial machinery, the platform is highly useful. The site features detailed Thai importer profiles, including company background, product needs, and buying trends. It's user-friendly and designed for both small exporters and large-scale manufacturers.

Sign up now and get access to a wide network of active and verified Thai importers, helping you connect faster and more securely. It's also ideal for those wanting long-term trade partnerships.

4. Magento

Last but not least, Magento isn't a marketplace, but it's an e-commerce software widely used by import and export companies in Thailand to manage their online stores. Many Thai importers prefer Magento because it allows them to organize their product catalogs, handle large inventories, and process bulk orders efficiently. If you're a supplier aiming to work with professional Thai importers, use Magento to streamline your operations. The software also supports multi-language and multi-currency options, which are helpful in a global trade environment.

- Thai Import Company Directory

For those wanting to find reliable business partners in Thailand, a Thai import company directory is an excellent resource for exporters. These directories usually include company names, industry focus, contact categories, and often their yearly trade volumes. Some directories are offered by government departments like the Thai Customs or DITP, while others are available through private B2B platforms. They help you filter companies by industry, product type, or region within Thailand. Using such a directory saves time and helps ensure you're targeting companies that are already active in importing. It's a smart tool for planning outreach or lead generation.

- Industry-Specific Importers in Thailand

If you are from a specific industry, looking for industry-specific importers in Thailand can improve your chances of success. Whether it's electronics, auto parts, food and beverage, medical supplies, or textiles, many Thai companies focus only on one niche. This specialization means they understand their market very well and are usually open to long-term partnerships with foreign suppliers.

Industry-specific importers often attend trade shows, are listed on niche B2B platforms, and sometimes even run their own branded e-commerce stores. Reaching out to them directly through targeted platforms, local associations, or business directories can help you build more meaningful trade relationships.

Import Challenges & Opportunities for 2025

Challenges

Opportunities

Rising tariffs on non-FTA goods

Infrastructure projects driving demand for machinery and fuels

Regulatory restrictions on agri-food and medical imports

Demand for green energy and cleantech under BCG model

Quality control & counterfeit product risks

U.S. tariff adjustments on agri-food benefiting exporters

Import substitution in some sectors by local production

Diversified sourcing strategies & new FTAs unlocking access

Implications for Business & Policy

For importers, the growth in U.S. agricultural and energy exports presents fresh sourcing opportunities. Electronics and auto parts demand will stay strong as Thailand continues industrial expansion.

For exporters, understanding the top Thai import commodities, tariff reforms, and partner country advantages is important to penetrating or expanding in the Thai market. Policy alignment with the BCG model also opens doors for eco-conscious exporters.

Conclusion

The Thailand import portfolio shows both traditional industrial needs and emerging green economy goals. The key suppliers like China, Japan, and the U.S. play an important role in the overall importing process. Businesses should monitor tariff policy shifts, new FTAs, and the BCG strategy, which will further shape Thailand's import market. This blog provides a detailed guide about the major imports and leading importers of Thailand in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which products does Thailand import the most in 2025?

The major imported goods in Thailand are crude petroleum, gold, motor vehicles and parts, electronics, mineral fuels, and key agri-food items like soybeans and wheat.

2. Who are the major countries supplying imports to Thailand?

China, Japan, Malaysia, the United States, and the UAE.

3. How is Thailand adjusting tariffs on U.S. imports?

Thailand is planning to cut tariffs on U.S. corn (currently 73%) and other agricultural goods to boost trade.

4. Which sectors are driving import growth in Thailand?

Energy, electronics, automotive, agriculture, and medical wellness sectors are leading import growth in 2025.

Jul 29,2025

Posted By Admin

Main Imports & Leading Importers In Thailand

In Southeast Asia's international trade market 2025, Thailand stands as a leading player in cross-border trade. To support its industrial, agricultural, and consumer sectors, the country continues to import emerging goods and material with a diversified economy and strategic location. Thailand's foreign trade is experiencing consistent growth, with imports reaching a substantial part of its GDP, as per the World Bank and OEC.

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