Key Takeways
- The Office of Trade Policy and Strategy reports significant growth in Thailand’s exports affected by the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) ahead of its enforcement in January 2026. Thai exports to the EU in this category grew 54.71% from January to October 2025.
- Thailand’s market share in EU imports rose to 0.42% from 0.29% in 2024, making it the 33rd largest supplier with USD 447.51 million in imports. Total EU imports of CBAM products surpassed USD 107 billion during this period.
- Although CBAM exports are a small fraction of Thailand’s trade, the EU remains a vital market for carbon-intensive goods. The potential expansion of CBAM coverage and similar measures in other countries underscores the importance of strategic adjustments for Thai exporters.
The Office of Trade Policy and Strategy under the Ministry of Commerce has reported continued growth in Thailand’s exports of goods subject to the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, or CBAM, ahead of its full enforcement on January 1, 2026. Despite the upcoming regulatory requirements, Thai exports to the EU in this category expanded significantly during the first ten months of 2025.
According to Nantapong Jiralerdpong, (นันทพงษ์ จิระเลิศพงษ์) Director-General of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy, EU imports of CBAM-covered products from Thailand rose by 54.71 percent between January and October 2025. Thailand’s market share in the EU increased to 0.42 percent from 0.29 percent in 2024, while total EU imports of CBAM products reached more than USD 107 billion. Thailand ranked as the EU’s 33rd largest supplier, with import value of USD 447.51 million.
Globally, Thailand’s CBAM-related exports were valued at USD 7.15 billion, accounting for 2.54 percent of total exports. The EU remained Thailand’s seventh-largest market for CBAM goods, with exports worth USD 363.93 million. Iron and steel dominated shipments to the EU, representing more than 84 percent of the total, followed by aluminium at 15.52 percent. Exports of cement, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen remained minimal.
Although CBAM exports currently represent a small share of Thailand’s overall trade, the EU continues to be a key market for carbon-intensive products. The possibility of expanded CBAM coverage to downstream products and other sectors, along with similar measures in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan, highlights the need for adjustment.
