In-Depth Analysis of Thailand's Logistics and Cross-Border Trade in Early 2020
December, 23 2020
During the first five months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, mainly due to the impact of COVID-19. The pandemic led to the closure of many border checkpoints, reducing the number of active checkpoints from 97 to just 28, resulting in a sharp drop in total trade value.
The total trade value during this period was 524.357 billion baht, reflecting a 9.71% decline.
- Exports amounted to 305.725 billion baht, decreasing 9.03%.
- Imports were valued at 218.632 billion baht, down 10.65%.
- The trade surplus stood at 87.093 billion baht.
| Category | 2020 (Jan-May) (Million Baht) | % YOY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Total Trade Value | 524,357 | -9.71% |
| Exports | 305,725 | -9.03% |
| Imports | 218,632 | -10.65% |
Source: Department of Foreign Trade
Thailand’s Cross-Border Trade with Neighboring Countries
Thailand's cross-border trade with its neighboring countries showed a decline across most nations, except for Cambodia.
- Malaysia: 87.854 billion baht (-32.43%)
- Laos: 77.172 billion baht (-6.59%)
- Myanmar: 73.740 billion baht (-10.96%)
- Cambodia: 70.872 billion baht (+5.20%)
The growth in trade with Cambodia was driven by increased exports of non-alcoholic beverages, livestock products, and passenger vehicles.
| Country | Trade Value (Million Baht) | % YOY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | 87,854 | -32.43% |
| Laos | 77,172 | -6.59% |
| Myanmar | 73,740 | -10.96% |
| Cambodia | 70,872 | +5.20% |
Source: Department of Foreign Trade
Thailand’s Transit Trade with Other Countries
Thailand's transit trade (trade passing through Thailand to other countries) experienced mixed results:
- China: 90.740 billion baht (+15.74%), driven by demand for fresh fruits, rubber, and computers.
- Singapore: 36.102 billion baht (+20.83%), led by internal combustion engines, computers, and electronic circuit boards.
- Vietnam: 24.697 billion baht (-26.71%).
- Other countries: 63.180 billion baht (-16.85%).
| Country | Trade Value (Million Baht) | % YOY Change |
|---|---|---|
| China | 90,740 | +15.74% |
| Singapore | 36,102 | +20.83% |
| Vietnam | 24,697 | -26.71% |
| Other Countries | 63,180 | -16.85% |
Source: Department of Foreign Trade
Outlook for the Second Half of 2020
The logistics and cross-border trade sector is expected to show improvement in the second half of 2020, as border trade restrictions are gradually eased.
In July 2020, the number of open checkpoints increased from 28 to 37 out of a total of 97. The Department of Foreign Trade is actively working to open more border checkpoints, which could further boost trade activities in the coming months.
Sources: