The Thai Ministry of Commerce has forecast a 15% rise in bilateral trade with Egypt this year, buoyed by a dramatic upswing in exports and the strengthening of commercial ties between the two nations.
According to Thaweep Ratchapakdi, Director of the Office of Trade Promotion in Services, trade between Thailand and Egypt reached $370.33 million in the first five months of 2025 alone, marking a 38.4% increase compared to the same period last year.
Speaking on the sidelines of a high-level meeting between the Thai delegation and the Egyptian Businessmen Association, Ratchapakdi disclosed a striking 365.1% jump in Egyptian exports to Thailand, which reached $64.99 million between January and May.
In the same period, Thai exports to Egypt rose by 20.4%, totaling $305.34 million. The trade balance currently stands at $240.35 million in Thailand’s favor.
“We are working hard to enhance and balance trade exchange to ensure mutual benefit for both countries,” Ratchapakdi said.
“The surge in Egyptian exports reflects the dynamism and changing nature of our markets.”
The Thai delegation’s visit marks a significant milestone as it represents the first mission of Thailand’s IT and software sector to Africa.
Ratchapakdi emphasized that this could be the beginning of long-term collaboration, particularly in the technology and digital services sectors.
“Our political relations have always flowed smoothly, and we cherish this historic partnership,” he said, highlighting the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Thailand.
He also underlined the importance of fostering mutual investment, noting that while there is currently one Thai company investing in Egypt’s sportswear industry, more Thai firms are exploring opportunities in the Egyptian market.
In 2024, trade between the two countries amounted to $708 million.
Thai exports to Egypt were valued at $669 million, while imports from Egypt stood at $39 million, resulting in a trade surplus of $630 million for Thailand.
Ratchapakdi expressed confidence that increased dialogue and joint initiatives will pave the way for a more balanced and prosperous economic relationship, particularly in emerging sectors like software and digital innovation.
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