Thai exports seen up 2% to 4% in 2026, shippers’ group says

BANGKOK: Thailand’s exports are expected to rise 2% to 4% this year, due mainly to foreign investment, the National Shippers’ Council said on Monday.

“Exports seem to be up 2-4% (for this year), but it’s not very satisfactory because the increase comes from foreign investments that will compete with our Thai entrepreneurs,” Chairman Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan told a news briefing. Rice shipments are likely to slow this year, the council said.

Exports, a key driver of Thailand’s economy increased 12.6% year-on-year in the first 11 months of 2025.

The shipping council estimated total export growth of more than 9% for the whole of last year, up from its October forecast of 5%.

The central bank forecast exports would grow just 0.6% in 2026.