M31 NEWS

Thailand trade and customs

Customs rules, tariffs and logistics changes affecting trade with Thailand.

The Chinese intelligent customer service market is expected to reach 120.9 billion yuan in 2030.

The size of the Chinese intelligent customer service market is expected to grow steadily from 2019 to 2030, with projections exceeding 100 billion yuan in 2028 and reaching 120.9 billion yuan in 2030 (data from 2025 indicates 60 billion yuan). This growth is driven by the…

Brazil sees potential 20% seafood export revenue growth from reopening EU market

The Brazilian Ministry of Fisheries stated that the reopening of the European Union market for seafood, which has been suspended since 2018, could potentially increase the country's export value by approximately 20%, from the current level of 472 million US dollars. This process…

Thailand’s TPSO outlines business strategies for the experience economy

The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) of the Ministry of Commerce reports that the global trend is shifting towards a "New-Age Experience Economy," where consumers prioritize value, feelings, and unique experiences over practical benefits. According to data from McKinsey &…

Thailand's Car Production Falls 6.1% in September Amid Uneven Recovery

According to figures released by the Federation of Thai Industries on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, Thailand's car production fell 6.08% year on year to 120,319 vehicles in September. This decline follows a 10.93% increase in August, highlighting an uneven recovery for the sector…

Hong Kong Food Market Shows Gradual Recovery as Tai Hing Group Reports Strong Half-Year Results

Tai Hing Group Holdings (Stock Code: 6811) reported an 83% increase in first-half profit to HK$74.88 million and revenue growth of 8.2% to HK$1.85 billion, driven by a recovering Hong Kong consumer market focused on value. The company plans cautious expansion with new outlets…

Thailand Sees AI Investment Surge Amid Global Economic Resilience

The Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (OTPS) under the Ministry of Commerce assesses global economic conditions following the IMF-World Bank Annual Meeting in October 2026. While geopolitical tensions and energy costs pose risks, investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and…

Thailand's Credit Term Rules for SMEs Take Effect on November 2 to Enhance Cash Flow

The Trade Competition Commission (TCC) of Thailand has published new regulations limiting credit terms for trade transactions, effective November 2, 2026. The rules cap payment periods at 30 days for agricultural products and up to 45 days for general trade, production, and…

Thailand's Ministry of Commerce Launches 'KHAOPRANEAT Fair 2026' to Elevate Premium Rice Market

Dr. Kirida Paopichit, Deputy Minister of Commerce, opened the KHAOPRANEAT Fair 2026 at One Bangkok on October 22–25, 2026, aiming to enhance the value and competitiveness of Thai rice through quality development, branding, and direct market linkage. The event features activities…

Thailand Considers Excise Tax Cuts for E20/B20 Amid Oil Fuel Fund Deficit; EV Imports Surge

On October 27, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced that the Cabinet would consider cutting excise taxes on E20 petrol and B20 diesel. The proposal aims to support agricultural sectors like sugarcane, cassava, and palm oil while…

China's 'Single-Use Economy' Emerges as New Consumer Trend for Thai Exporters

Chinese consumers are increasingly adopting a 'single-use economy,' favoring disposable products for convenience and specific experiences. The market is projected to reach 171,131 million yuan by 2030, driven by younger generations. Standards for single-use underwear will take…

Thailand's Overall Exports Hit Record Levels in Q3 Despite Slump in Agricultural Sector

Thailand's total exports reached a record US$38.44 billion in September, driven by electronics and industrial goods, while agricultural and agro-industrial exports fell 1.9% year-on-year for the first nine months of 2026 due to high production costs and global competition. The…

Japan’s herbal tea market continues to grow

The herbal tea market in Japan has a long history, starting with green tea and hojicha. In the late Edo period, chamomile was introduced by the Dutch, and in 1969, the German company Pompadour began importing herbal teas. The market has evolved through three distinct phases: the…

Port Polska Advances Construction of Airport, High-Speed Rail, and Logistics Infrastructure

Port Polska has transitioned from preparation to active construction across key areas including airports, high-speed rail, and logistics infrastructure, aiming to enhance regional trade and investment. The project has already spent approximately EUR 1.72 billion, with…

China Enacts New National Food Safety Standards Covering Contaminants, Child Nutrition, and Processing Controls

The Chinese Ministry of Health and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) have officially implemented a set of national food safety standards and 50 revised specifications. These measures establish new benchmarks for supply chain control, covering contaminant…

Thailand Promotes Rice Sales at Guangzhou Gourmet Week 2026

The Thai Trade Office in Guangzhou conducted the 'Think Rice Think Thailand' campaign during the Guangzhou Gourmet Week (GGW) 2026 from October 10 to 19, 2026. The event featured nine Thai businesses representing ten brands, including Thai SELECT restaurants and products.…

Poland Inflation Reaches 4.0% in September Driven by Fuel Prices

Poland's consumer price index (CPI) rose to 4.0% year-on-year in September, matching expectations with fuel prices as the primary driver. Other food and energy prices also showed upward signs, increasing the risk of a widespread energy shock impact on the economy. Inflation is…

Vietnam E-commerce Market Grows 22% in First Nine Months of 2026 Amid Shifting Consumer Priorities

According to YouNet ECI, Vietnam's e-commerce sales grew by 22% in the first nine months of 2026, reaching approximately $15.9 billion. Growth accelerated to 27% in the third quarter as consumer confidence improved. Shopee maintained a 53% market share while TikTok Shop held…

Vietnam Signs Free Trade Agreement with EFTA to Expand Export Markets

On October 18, 2026, Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) officially signed the Vietnam–EFTA Free Trade Agreement (VEFTA) in Hanoi. The agreement covers trade in goods, services, investment, intellectual property, public procurement, competition policy, SMEs,…

Japan Accelerates Food Waste Reduction via Policy Shifts and Consumer Behavior Changes

Japanese government agencies and the food industry are advancing sustainability through policies promoting meaningful consumption to cut food waste by half by 2030. Key measures include relaxing the 'One-Third Rule' for shelf-life delivery, extending 'Best Before Date' validity,…

Thai Pet Food Giant ITC Acquires US Firm Phelps Pet Products for $160 Million

ITC Corporation, a global pet food manufacturer based in Thailand, has completed the acquisition of Phelps Pet Products, a leading US producer of pet food and treats. The deal, valued at $160 million, aims to strengthen ITC's supply chain and expand its production footprint in…