Thailand assesses trade risks amid protests in six European countries
Thailand is closely monitoring protests and unrest in six European countries amid concerns that prolonged disruption could affect Thai exports, transport services and logistics costs.
- Thailand's Commerce Ministry is assessing trade risks from protests in six European countries, including France, Spain, and Italy.
- Officials are concerned that prolonged unrest could disrupt transport and logistics, leading to higher costs, and reduce European consumer demand for Thai products.
- Thai exporters have been advised to prepare contingency plans, such as diversifying markets, arranging alternative transport routes, and extending their cargo insurance.
- The assessment is prompted by the EU's importance as a trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching US$34.69 billion in the first eight months of 2026.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has instructed trade officials to assess potential risks and provide guidance to businesses as demonstrations continue in several parts of Europe.
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and Thailand's overseas trade promotion offices are monitoring developments and evaluating possible consequences for international trade.
The ministry aims to identify risks early, allowing Thai exporters to adjust their business plans and prepare contingency measures before disruptions affect their operations.
Protests in six European countries raise trade concerns
According to the latest situation report, demonstrations have taken place in France, Italy, Portugal, Albania, Spain and Belgium. The protests involve a range of grievances, including rising living costs, wages and housing difficulties. Clashes and incidents affecting public safety have also been reported in some areas.
The Commerce Ministry is paying particular attention to possible industrial action by labour unions, which could disrupt transport services and economic activity.
Officials are assessing conditions in individual locations to determine which developments might directly affect Thai trade and freight movements.
Prolonged unrest could affect Thai exports and logistics
The ministry warned that prolonged or more widespread demonstrations could weaken consumer purchasing power and reduce demand for certain categories of Thai products.
Transport disruptions represent another potential concern. If protests or strikes interfere with air transport, road freight or local distribution networks, exporters could face longer delivery times and higher operating costs.
However, Suphajee emphasised that the actual impact would depend on the severity of the unrest and the locations affected.
The ministry will continue gathering information from its overseas offices and relevant organisations to evaluate risks and identify measures to maintain trade continuity.
Thailand-EU trade reaches US$34.69 billion in eight months
The European Union remains an important trading partner for Thailand, with bilateral trade recording strong growth during the first eight months of 2026.
Between January and August 2026, total trade between Thailand and the European Union reached US$34.69 billion, up 17.13% year on year.
Thai exports to the EU rose by 21.89% to US$21.06 billion, while imports from the bloc increased by 10.45% to US$13.63 billion. Thailand consequently recorded a trade surplus of approximately US$7.43 billion.
These figures highlight the importance of monitoring developments in Europe while protecting export opportunities and maintaining the competitiveness of Thai businesses.
Exporters advised to prepare for possible disruption
The Commerce Ministry has advised exporters to monitor developments in their destination markets and remain in close contact with buyers and logistics providers.
Businesses should regularly verify the status of shipments and delivery schedules, particularly when goods are being transported through areas where protests or industrial action could affect services.
If existing transport routes become vulnerable to disruption, exporters should consider negotiating revised delivery schedules with customers.
Contingency plans are particularly important for perishable products and other goods subject to strict delivery deadlines.
The ministry also recommended the following measures to help businesses manage potential risks:
- Market diversification: Exporters could temporarily reduce their dependence on European markets by expanding sales opportunities in member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as in South Asia and the Middle East.
- Cargo insurance: Businesses should consider extending their cargo insurance coverage to include losses resulting from riots and deliberate property damage.
- Currency risk management: Exporters may review their euro-denominated holdings or consider forward contracts to manage exchange-rate risks, given the possibility that the euro could weaken.
- Alternative transport routes: Companies could examine options for avoiding ports in France and Western Europe if disruptions affect existing routes. Alternative arrangements may include using ports in northern or southern Europe, with onward connections by rail.
- Inventory management: Businesses could also consider moving stock from areas exposed to potential disruption to storage locations in safer countries.
Commerce Ministry continues monitoring European developments
The ministry intends to maintain close coordination with Thailand's overseas trade promotion offices to assess changing conditions and provide exporters with relevant information.
The objective is to help businesses maintain delivery schedules, manage potential increases in operating costs and minimise the effects of uncertainty on Thailand's international trade.
