Bangkok: The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) anticipates a continued expansion of export and import prices in July, fueled by the demand for AI and data center-related products. According to Thai News Agency, the TPSO foresees a slight slowdown in this growth, despite the rising costs of key commodities and raw materials.
Mr. Nantapong Chiraleartpong, Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy, highlighted that the export and import price indices for July 2026 are expected to expand year-on-year, albeit at a decelerated pace. This expansion is largely attributed to the tight supply of essential commodities, high production expenses, and geopolitical risks that have elevated the prices of agricultural goods, energy, metals, and gold compared to the previous year.
The demand for advanced electronics, especially in the realms of artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers, remains a significant factor in sustaining high demand for raw materials, electronic components, and key technological minerals. This demand supports elevated prices across the technology supply chain.
Potential factors that could temper the price index expansion include increased supply of specific agricultural products, ample global energy reserves, and reduced geopolitical tensions, potentially leading to lower energy prices. Additionally, a slowdown in the accumulation of raw materials and electronic components might occur.
The global economic landscape remains fragile, with uncertainties surrounding trade measures and tariffs by major economies, which could affect global trade confidence and the demand for raw materials in the manufacturing sector.
In June 2026, the export price index rose to 114.7, marking a 3.1 percent increase from the previous year, though at a reduced rate. The rise in export prices was seen across all product categories, led by minerals and fuels, which surged by 31.5 percent due to high global crude oil prices. Agricultural products saw a 7.4 percent increase, driven by cassava, rubber, and rice. Industrial products increased by 2.0 percent, influenced by higher gold prices and demand for electronic components for AI and data centers. Agricultural industrial products saw a modest rise of 0.1 percent, boosted by vegetable and animal fats and oils, pet food, and canned seafood.
In the import sector, the price index for June stood at 126.9, a 10.0 percent increase from the previous year, albeit at a slower growth rate. The easing of Middle Eastern tensions led to a decline in global crude oil prices, yet imports of capital goods, raw materials, and industrial parts continued to expand. Fuel prices increased by 30.2 percent, while raw materials and semi-finished products saw a 9.1 percent rise, driven by gold and electronic components. Consumer goods, capital goods, and vehicles also experienced price increases.