Thai exporters used US$48.07 billion in FTA preferences in the first half of 2026, up 7.33%, as SMEs prepare for the Thailand-EFTA agreement
Thailand's utilization of free trade agreements (FTAs) reached THB 1.57 trillion (US$48.07 billion) in the first half of 2026, marking a 7.33% increase year-on-year.
The ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) and the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) were the two most-used agreements by value, with fresh durian being the top product utilizing FTA preferences.
In preparation for the Thailand-EFTA agreement, the Department of Foreign Trade is actively assisting SMEs through programs like the “Boost Up SMEs to FTA Markets” initiative, which included business trips to Switzerland and Norway.
Thailand’s use of trade preferences under free trade agreements reached US$48.069 billion, or approximately THB1.57 trillion, during the first six months of 2026, rising 7.33% from the same period last year.
The Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) reported that preferential treatment was claimed on 80.83% of the value of eligible exports between January and June.
Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the DFT under the Ministry of Commerce, described the figures as evidence that Thai exporters were using FTAs to strengthen their competitiveness.
The department is encouraging businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to use preferential trade arrangements to build partnerships and expand into promising new markets.
ASEAN agreements lead FTA use
The five agreements recording the highest value of preference use were:
ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA): US$15,937.55 million, with a utilisation rate of 67.50%.
ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA): US$14,264.11 million, with a utilisation rate of 94.50%
.
ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA): US$6,110.17 million, with a utilisation rate of 78.73%.
Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA): US$3,819.69 million, with a utilisation rate of 85.86%.
Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA): US$3,027.47 million, with a utilisation rate of 59.03%.
Fresh durian recorded the highest use of FTA preferences among individual products.
It was followed by other motor vehicles for transporting goods, synthetic rubber mixed with natural rubber, jewellery and other articles made from precious metals, and gold and silverware and related components made from other precious metals.
Industrial goods account for nearly three-quarters
Agricultural and agro-processed products accounted for US$13,149.59 million, or 27.36% of total FTA preference use.
The leading products in this group were fresh durian, prepared chicken, other cane sugar, frozen chicken cuts and edible offal, and guavas, mangoes and mangosteens.
Industrial goods accounted for the remaining US$34,919.43 million, or 72.64% of the total.
The leading industrial products were vehicles for transporting goods, synthetic rubber mixed with natural rubber, jewellery and other precious-metal articles, gold and silverware and related components, and copper waste and scrap.
SMEs prepare for Thailand-EFTA agreement
Arada noted that global trade was being affected by economic volatility, pressure on energy supplies and uncertainty surrounding US trade policy.
She called for fewer regulatory obstacles and closer cooperation between the public and private sectors to create a more supportive trading environment.
The government will continue expanding the use of FTAs, while businesses are being encouraged to add value to their products and services, strengthen quality and standards, and differentiate themselves from competitors.
Exporters should also prioritise domestic inputs and verifiable Thai origin to build confidence and improve access to international markets, she added.
During fiscal 2026, the DFT organised 12 activities across 12 provinces to promote the use of FTA trade preferences.
Switzerland and Norway were identified as high-value markets capable of supporting Thai products’ expansion into premium segments, while India offers a large market with growing purchasing power.
Participating businesses were given opportunities to negotiate with importers, establish commercial networks and learn about local regulations.
The DFT expects this experience to help SMEs use FTA benefits more effectively and support their long-term expansion.
