Exports are expected to grow by 6-7% this year, surpassing the previous target of 2-3%, according to the Commerce Ministry.
At an online policy briefing on Wednesday, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun outlined seven key policies as part of a “Quick Big Win” strategy aimed at addressing economic challenges and enhancing the country’s trade and export capabilities.
She said using these strategies, exports are projected to expand by 6-7% year-on-year, exceeding previous estimates of 2-3%. The average monthly export value is expected to reach US$24 billion in the last four months of the year, with total exports anticipated to exceed 12 trillion baht in 2025.
Mrs Suphajee said the priorities in the next four months include finalising the agreement on reciprocal tariffs with the US, updating the rules of origin, and fully digitising certificates of origin to enhance transparency and prevent fraudulent claims.
Despite the US government shutdown, she said tariff discussions between the two nations continue uninterrupted.
To increase exports in the final quarter, the ministry plans to promote the use of existing free trade agreements (FTAs) and explore new markets such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, India and Vietnam, as well as facilitate business matching.
Moreover, the ministry expects to finalise an FTA with South Korea by the end of this year and conclude key issues on a pact with the EU in the first quarter of 2026.
Mrs Suphajee said the ministry organised Blue Flag fairs to ease living costs in areas affected by the border dispute with Cambodia, and is providing a 100-baht-per-parcel transport subsidy with Thailand Post for small businesses in affected provinces.
Another goal is to develop alternative marketing channels and new markets to mitigate risks for businesses in the area, she said.
Cost of living
The ministry also signed a memorandum of understanding with more than 100 private hospitals to disclose medicine prices before payment, giving people the option to purchase medicines outside hospitals. This initiative is expected to save 32.4 billion baht annually, reduce overcrowding in public hospitals, and encourage greater use of private hospital services. A progress review is scheduled for Oct 7.
In addition, the ministry hosts around 1,300 Blue Flag fairs annually, helping consumers save more than 5 billion baht a year.
Stabilise crop prices
To support rice farmers, the ministry is offering low-interest loans to delay sales and prevent a glut, as well as subsidies of 1,000 baht per rai to 4.6 million farming households. Mrs Suphajee said the ministry is also pursuing rice trade deals with China, Japan and Singapore.
The ministry wants to strengthen the competitiveness and enhance the value of Thai products, with initiatives expanding access to new markets, providing credit support, and promoting quality certifications such as Thailand Trust Mark and Thai Select.
Artificial intelligence is being used to analyse supply and demand trends to ensure timely trade measures, while e-commerce channels are being expanded to connect local products with global markets.