Shippers see Thailand's export growth at 8-10 pct in 2026

Alsharq Tribune-Al Otaify 

Thailand's exports are expected to grow 8 percent to 10 percent in 2026, up from a 2 percent to 4 percent gain seen earlier, despite risks from Middle East tensions and global trade uncertainty, a shippers' group said on Friday.

According to the Thai National Shippers' Council, a stronger "best case" scenario remains possible but will hinge on developments during the latter half of the year, particularly geopolitical conflicts and demand from key trading partners.

For the January-May period, exports, a key driver of Thai economic growth, increased 17 percent year-on-year to 162.09 billion U.S. dollars, underpinned by front-loaded orders aiming to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions and concerns over trade measures.

Looking ahead, the council flagged key risks, including high production and energy costs, a strong baht currency, tight credit for small businesses, and potential crop damage from the El Nino weather pattern, alongside sluggish global trade.

In a statement, the group also urged the government to streamline licensing procedures and redundant regulations, boost local content in supply chains, enforce stricter controls on substandard imports, and ease logistics costs and energy prices.