Import of automated production systems rising in face of Covid-19 crisis
The Thai-German Institute (TGI) revealed that Thailand imported up to Bt168.88 million worth of robotics and automated systems in February, up by approximately 48.22 percent year on year.
A TGI official said on Monday (April 27) that 54 percent of the systems came from Japan, while 19.44 percent were from South Korea.
“Both countries are world leaders in technology,” the official added.
The value of Thailand’s import of robotic technology in the first two months of this year was worth Bt327 million, while the export of the same technology in February was Bt3.67 million, up by 244.38 percent year on year, but 55.82 percent less compared to the previous month.
The official said Thailand’s robotic industry still has a trade deficit of up to Bt165.22 million or 46.37 percent year on year because the technology is rapidly changing.
“The manufacturing sector nowadays prioritises resource management, zero-waste and precise production,” the official said.
“Meanwhile, factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic, shortage of labour, rising labour costs, ageing society and a weakening baht is boosting the demand for automated systems in the country.”
The official added that Thailand has not started producing automated manufacturing systems, which is why the country has to rely on imports.
“The demand for automation will rise if the Covid-19 situation continues. However, Thailand still lacks the skills and knowledge required to produce automated manufacturing systems because the government has not been promoting or supporting the development of the robotics industry.”
