The Hottest Products to Import From Thailand in 2025
Below are the 6 hottest products to import from Thailand, with large growth potential and high demand:
- Silk
- Jewelry
- Cell Phone Accessories
- Cosmetic and Spa Products
- Shoes
- Handicrafts
Thailand’s Export Performance in 2024
In 2024, Thailand achieved a record-high export value of $301 billion, marking a 5.4% increase from the previous year.
From January to September 2024, exports totaled $223 billion, reflecting a 3.9% year-on-year growth, so exports from Thailand are still trending upwards and now is a good time to look at Thailand as an export market.
Key Export Destinations
Thailand’s primary export markets in 2024 included:
- China: Strengthened economic ties and demand for Thai goods solidified China’s position as Thailand’s leading export destination.
- United States: As a crucial trading partner, the U.S. remained a significant market for Thai exports.
- Japan: Long-standing trade relations continued to make Japan a vital export partner.
- European Union: Economic recovery in EU member states contributed to increased demand for Thai products.
Export Regulations and Compliance
Exporting from Thailand requires that you follow rules and regulations and get the necessary licenses and permits if needed. The Thai government has made it easier for international trade by implementing the Thai Customs Electronic System which streamlines customs clearance. As an exporter, you must make sure goods comply with the country’s regulations that you’re importing to including customs duty, tax and knowledge on any restricted goods.
The Customs Department is in charge of controlling and collecting customs duty and import tax. As an exporter, you must work closely with this department to comply with all their rules. Knowing the Economic Complexity Index and the country’s trade agreements such as free trade agreements is also very important for exporters. These agreements can affect the duty and tax on exported goods so it’s important to stay informed and compliant so you’re not caught with any unwanted surprises.
Understanding Customs Clearance
Customs is a “must-understand” step in the import process, and understanding the procedures is absolutely vital for importers. Your Customs Department (in the country you’re importing to) is responsible for clearing goods, and importers must submit an import declaration to customs. The customs value of the goods is calculated based on the price paid or payable, and import duties and taxes are applied accordingly.
These products from Thailand are not only in high demand but also represent some of the most profitable items to import, offering significant economic opportunities for an importer.
6 Hot Products to Import from Thailand
With a very brief overview of Customs department, if you’re still looking for some inspiration and thinking about importing from Thailand, here’s 6 hot products, in demand from Thailand right now:
Silk
Thai silk is well known for its softness and suppleness and is regarded as some highest quality in the world. As such, it is one of the most popular varieties of silk available on the international market. Selling overseas to clothing manufacturers or home apparel designers for cushions, bed covers and other homewares makes silk a very profitable products to export.
Additionally, health and safety certifications for food are essential for ensuring compliance with quality standards when importing sensitive products, such as food and pharmaceuticals.
Jewelry
Thai gems and handmade jewelry are famous around the globe because of their excellent quality and reasonable prices. The combination of skilled craftsmen and low labour costs make Thailand the perfect place to export jewelry, especially to Europe and the US where people are willing to pay a premium for this type of product which are sold in handicraft shops and markets as well as online.
Cell Phone Accessories
In every US airport and mall, there are shops selling just mobile phone accessories. From unique looking earphones to attractive phone cases, to selfie sticks, the appetite for the latest, coolest phone gadget is very strong, worldwide. Exporting these products around the globe is a great opportunity and can make solid profits.
Shoes
Shoe shoppers love Thailand! There are a gazillion varieties of shoes available in Thailand and at great prices. Exporting shoes to countries like the UAE, UK, US and Europe where the demand is high and profit margins are solid is a good business to establish as demand will always be high in street markets and with local retailers.
Cosmetic and Spa Products
Thai spas are famous for their skin and hair care services. After many years of buying from massive corporate companies and the realisation that their products are filled with damaging chemicals, there is a large consumer movement away from this and towards purer ingredients and customers, particularly in Europe and the US will pay a premium for.
Handicrafts
From paper and bamboo lamps to intricate wooden sculptures, Thailand produces more types of handicrafts than imaginable and sellers in market stalls and retail shops love the style and craftsmanship of products from Thailand. The Thai Baht is competitive and therefore an attractive export with good profit margins.
How To Successfully Import From Thailand
Export Documentation
Export documentation is key to international trade and exporters must have all the necessary documents to clear customs and comply with regulations. Some of the required documents may be a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and export license etc. A commercial invoice should have details like description of goods, quantity, weight and value with the seller’s and buyer’s information.
A Packing list should have details like type of packaging, weight and dimensions of the goods. As an exporter you must also comply with specific regulations and get necessary any necessary licenses and permits, particularly if you’re importing restricted goods. Having all documents accurate and complete is crucial for a smooth export.
Logistics and Shipping
Logistics and shipping is a big part of international trade and importers and exporters should work with a reliable freight forwarder to get their goods moved efficiently and safely. A freight forwarder can help with customs clearance by helping to prepare the necessary documents such as a commercial invoice and packing list and submitting them to the customs office for you, usually for a small fee.
A freight forwarder can also guide you on customs procedures including how to calculate customs duties and taxes and make sure you goods are compliant with regulations. Importers and exporters also need to consider time, cost and insurance when choosing a freight forwarder. The Thai government has implemented measures to facilitate logistics and shipping including developing ports and transportation infrastructure to support international trade. The postal customs service division and international post office also play a big role in facilitating the import and export of goods.
The 4 Steps To Success
If you’re now thinking to get involved in the import export world and importing any of these products into your own country, I highly recommend it! Below is a personal testimonial of my experience, working 35+ years in import export. I’ve met some many great people, enjoyed my travels around the world and the satisfaction of negotiating deals and moving products around the world has been fantastic.
If the ideas above have inspired you, I recommend you take the next three steps.
Step 1: Know How To Source Your Products and Import From Thailand
Once you’ve decided on some products, you’ll have to source where to buy them. Finding sellers of your products is also half the fun. If you’re in a position to travel and explore, do it! It’s a great opportunity to expand your horizons. Not so easy in these times of a global pandemic but eventually we’ll be able to travel again.
If you can’t travel, there’s always Google, AliBaba and AliExpress. This can be a great place to start. For more ideas and an much more in-depth look into sourcing products, check out our blog in sourcing products internationally.
Another advantage to these products is they’re small enough to get product samples easily, either by travelling to India and bringing them to other countries or by buying online and having the goods shipped.
Once you’ve found your new supplier, you’re going to need an EORI number for products to clear UK customs and a freight forwarder so make sure you know how to set this up.
Step 2: Know How To Finding Buyers
Perhaps the biggest question is inevitably, how do I find buyers for my products?
This is without doubt the most common question that I’m asked. Well, the good news is, there’s more than one way to do this. The bad news is, there’s no “easy” way. It’s all going to take some hard work and perseverance but it can most certainly be done and some good profits are no doubt waiting for you.
For my biggest hints and tips after a lifetime in commercial buying and selling check out our blog post on finding buyers.
Step 3: Make Sure You Understand the Basics
You’re going to need to understand at a minimum, the basics of import and export. Don’t jump in and start buying products, hoping to sell them by crossing your fingers. You’ll lose money, time and cause yourself a lot of stress and increase your risk of being scammed.
To start, have a read of our blog post, How To Start an Import Export Business. It’s only the bare minimum but it will give you an idea of what you need to start thinking about and you’ll pick up some handy tips that I learned over the year.
Step 4: Import Export Training Courses Online
If you’re still sold on the idea of trading internationally, I can only advise you to educate yourself. It’s going to save you a lot of pain! Our online ABTS® International Trade Mastery Programme is taught with a series of pre-recorded videos so you can start any time, study at your own pace and there’s no deadline to complete.
Our courses teach you the practical knowledge you’ll need to know to trade successfully, confidently whilst maximising your profits. Taught by Alan Bracken, with 40+ years of commercial experience in logistics, he skips all the theory you’ll never need to know but teaches you the practical side of how to move your goods around the world.
Check out our reviews on TrustPilot to see just how our courses have benefited our students.