Commerce proposes alert measures after imports from China hit 2.21tn baht
Thailand’s proposed warning system would flag import surges and possible dumping, allowing talks with China before problems become trade disputes
- Thailand's Department of Foreign Trade has proposed a joint early-warning mechanism with China following a surge in imports to 2.21 trillion baht in the first half of 2026, a 31.55% year-on-year increase.
- The proposed system is designed to flag rapid import surges and signs of possible dumping, allowing for early consultation and information exchange between the two nations.
- The stated goal is not to increase trade disputes but to solve problems early, ensure trade remedies are used fairly, and maintain a stable long-term trading relationship.
Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) proposed a joint early-warning mechanism with China at talks in Beijing on September 22, 2026, to flag import surges and possible dumping. Imports from China totalled about 2.21 trillion baht in the first half of 2026, up 31.55% year on year, according to the department.
Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the DFT under Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, said Thai businesses were concerned about growing imports from China through both conventional trade and e-commerce.
Arada said she had assigned Chanintorn Rimcharone, deputy director-general of the DFT, and a delegation to attend the eighth China–Thailand meeting on trade remedy cooperation in Beijing.
China’s Trade Remedy and Investigation Bureau (TRB), under the Ministry of Commerce, took part in the meeting, with director-general Peng Tao welcoming the Thai delegation.
DFT proposes alerts and early consultations over import surges
Thailand’s proposed early-warning mechanism would establish a channel for Thai and Chinese agencies to raise alerts, consult one another and exchange information about rapidly increasing imports and signals of possible dumping, according to the DFT.
The DFT said early monitoring would help both countries track trade trends and respond promptly to emerging problems, allowing solutions to be discussed before businesses were affected or disagreements developed into trade disputes.
“The department stresses that the proposed early-warning mechanism is not intended to increase the use of trade remedies between Thailand and China, but to ensure that such measures are used appropriately, fairly and only when necessary. It also aims to reduce the risk of trade disputes and maintain smooth, sustainable trading relations between the two countries over the long term,” Arada said.
Thailand invites China to trade remedy talks in 2027
Thailand has invited China to the ninth bilateral meeting on trade remedy cooperation, which Thailand will host in 2027, Arada said.
Thailand also reaffirmed its readiness to continue close cooperation with China’s TRB, with support from Thailand’s commercial affairs office in Beijing, according to Arada.
