Key Takeways
- The International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) has highlighted findings from the UNCTAD Trade and Development Report 2025, where Thailand ranks first in export product diversity among Global South economies. This demonstrates Thailand’s resilience amid global trade uncertainties.
- ITD Director Mr. Suphakit Charoenkul noted that Southeast Asian developing economies, especially Thailand, face risks from shifting trade policies and geopolitical tensions, including increasing tariffs. Despite these challenges, ASEAN continues to be economically strong and integral to global supply chains.
- UNCTAD forecasts a slowdown in global growth to 2.6% for 2025-2026; however, ASEAN economies are expected to grow at 4.3% and 4.2%, respectively. Thailand’s leading position in the Trade Product Diversity Index indicates a resilient export structure across various sectors, offering strategic advantages in a volatile global market.
The International Institute for Trade and Development (Public Organisation), or ITD, has cited findings from the UNCTAD Trade and Development Report 2025 indicating that Thailand ranks first in export product diversity among economies in the Global South, underscoring the country’s resilience amid rising global trade uncertainty.
According to ITD Director Mr. Suphakit Charoenkul, (คุณสุภกิจ เจริญกุล )developing economies in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, are facing heightened risks stemming from shifting global trade policies and escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly the increasing use of tariffs as trade restrictions. Despite these challenges, ASEAN continues to demonstrate economic strength and remains a vital link in global supply chains.
UNCTAD projects that global economic growth will slow to 2.6 percent in 2025 and 2026. Nevertheless, developing economies—especially ASEAN—are expected to maintain positive momentum, with growth forecast at 4.3 percent in 2025 and 4.2 percent in 2026, positioning the region as a key driver of the global economy.
ITD noted that Thailand’s top ranking on UNCTAD’s Trade Product Diversity Index, with a score of 1.02, reflects its broad-based export structure spanning agriculture, manufacturing, and higher value-added processed goods—the most diversified among developing economies. This diversity provides Thailand with a significant strategic advantage, helping cushion the impact of tariff shocks and global financial volatility.
