Thailand, is prominent for tourists, and shoppers alike, and while it is regarded as an export country, the country still shares a significant amount of import, aiding to its economy. 

Thailand imports mainly compose of raw materials and intermediate goods, which the country consumes to support its services. Its also the leading importer for Carbon amounting to $477 million. Among its majority trading partners are Malaysia, Japan, China and the United States.

Here are the top 10 largest Thailand Imports.

Largest Thailand Imports 

1. Machinery

To support the country’s milling industry, Thailand imports USD 103 million worth of machineries annually. The country imports majority of its machineries in Japan, thus it also imports from Singapore, Malaysia and Germany. These imports allow the country to progress its manufacturing and construction industries.

2. Mineral Oils and Fuels

While Thailand is also considered a natural oil and gas producer, it still relies on fuel imports to sustain its increasing demand in fuel. In the last year, it has imported over USD 41 million, with suppliers mainly United Arab Emirates, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. The country’s increasing energy demand varies from refined petroleum, diesel, kerosene, and gasoline.

3. Industrial Machinery

Thailand relies on Industrial Machinery imports, importing over $29 million in the last year. This is to cater the development gap, and sustain producing highly complex and precise technological machinery which the country lacks a lot. Majority of its import comes from China, Japan and Germany.

4. Iron & Steel

Iron and Steel are amongst the popular imports in Thailand brought about by its growing construction industry and infrastructure. The main suppliers for import and steel are China, South Korea and Japan. In the last year, it has imported a total value of $15 million and the the country continues to increase imports this year.

5. Precious Stones & Metals

Thailand is the third largest importer of Precious stones and metals, mainly importing from Sri Lanka, India and Vietnam. It also imports from Australia, and the total value amounted to $12 million. This need for imports allows the country to progress its jewelry industry which is slowly making waves in the global market. 

6. Plastics

With various industries in Thailand, especially in the food sector, the demand for plastic imports is inevitable. Amounting to $10 million in the previous year, primary suppliers include Japan, China and Malaysia. Apart from foodgrade plastic imports, the country also imports plastic resins, automotive components, and household goods.

7. Motor Vehicles & Parts

To aid the domestic production of automobiles, Thailand imports over $10 billion worth of motor vehicle and parts. Imports also include passenger cars, and commercial vehicles for the country’s transportation modes. Meanwhile, it imports mainly from countries – Japan, Germany and the United States.

8. Copper

The country’s growing demand in copper is explained from its need to supply the increasing construction, and automotive sector. With over $6 billion imports, the country is a significant importer of copper in the world market. Copper imports from Thailand primarily comes from China, Malaysia and South Korea. 

9. Precision Instruments

Countries in the Southeast Asia are significant importers of Precision instruments, and Thailand is no exception on this. The country places important focus on health and epidemic prevention which explains its large imports of precision instruments. Total imports amounted to $6 billion in the last year, with majority coming from India.

10. Textiles and Apparel

Fibers and yarns are major raw materials which Thailand imports for its fashion industry to progress. With Bangkok being a shopping capital in Thailand, the need for textile is apparent. From the last year, the amount of textile and apparel imports totalled to $3.8 billion. The country imports primarily from Vietnam, China and India. 

Conclusion

Thailand is a country dependent on import, mainly in sustenance of its ballooning economy. Imports are essential for various industries like construction, textile and healthcare. This comprehensive demand for importations, open opportunities for more businesses to transact with the country. 

If you’re looking into importing to Thailand, connecting with Pangea will be of help, as it homes a large network of freight forwarders that will help you ease the task of importing, anywhere in the world.