Thailand – Southeast Asia's largest trading partner of Vietnam: Potential and challenges in 2025

Thailand – Southeast Asia's largest trading partner of Vietnam: Potential and challenges in 2025

Trade relations between Vietnam and Thailand do not stop at impressive figures 12,US $ 3 billion in the first 7 months of 2025, but also open up many prospects for the future. With the position of Vietnam's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, Thailand is playing an important role in shaping regional supply chains and promoting bilateral economic cooperation. This article will further analyze the development trend, challenge, and long -term cooperation potential between the two countries.

Investment and strategic cooperation

Besides trade turnover, Foreign direct investment (FDI) From Thailand to Vietnam is growing strongly. Large corporations like Charoen Pokphand (CP), Siam Cement Group (SCG), And Thai Union has expanded investment in agricultural fields, food, build, and seafood. For example, CP Group not only invests in animal husbandry and food processing but also participates in real estate and retail projects in Vietnam. This not only enhances Vietnam's production capacity but also creates tens of thousands of jobs and transferred modern technology.

Strategic cooperation between the two countries is also strengthened through free trade agreements (FTA) such as the comprehensive and progressive partnership of the Pacific (CPTPP) and ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). These agreements have reduced tariffs, create favorable conditions for businesses of the two countries to maximize the potential, Especially in key industries like technology, car, and agriculture. Besides, High -level meetings between leaders of the two countries in 2025 emphasized the commitment to strengthen cooperation in new areas such as digital economy and innovation..

Challenges and solutions

Despite many achievements, Trade balance is inclined towards Thailand with a deficit 2,US $ 61 billion is a big challenge. The main reason includes dependence on goods imported from Thailand like cars, machines, and electronic components, While Vietnam's exports to Thailand are still not diverse and competitive enough. Special, The strong growth of computers and components (increased by 107%) is bright spot, But traditional items such as crude oil and vegetables have decreased deeply, limit the total export turnover.

To solve this problem, Vietnam needs to focus on strategic solutions:

  • Diversify export products: Enhance export value added products such as textiles, Fisheries processed, and high -tech products instead of focusing on raw materials. For example, Promoting the export of international -standard textile products can take advantage from FTA Agreements.

  • Promote domestic production: Invest in supporting industries to reduce dependence on imported components, Especially in the automobile and electronics industry. The government can encourage domestic businesses to cooperate with Thailand to build a supply chain.

  • Strengthen trade promotion: Organize fairs, Exhibition in Thailand to promote Vietnamese products, Especially agricultural products such as coffee, pepper, and handicrafts. Online trade promotion programs should also be promoted to reach Thai consumers.

  • Improve competitiveness: Training human resources and improving technology to improve product quality, Since then competition directly with Thai goods in the international market.

Potential for sustainable development

In the context of digital transformation and green economy is becoming a global trend, Vietnam and Thailand have the opportunity to cooperate more deeply in areas such as renewable energy, Clean technology, and sustainable production. Thailand, With experience in producing biological energy from sugarcane and resource management, Can support Vietnam in developing green projects such as solar power and wind power. Opposite, Vietnam with abundant labor resources and potential consumption markets can become a strategic partner of Thailand in the region.

Besides, The two countries can also exploit tourism and cultural potential to supplement trade relations. Thailand is famous for marine tourism and culinary culture, While Vietnam attracts visitors by diverse cultural heritage and beautiful natural landscape. Cultural exchange programs, Tourism connection between the two countries will not only enhance each other's understanding but also promote the exchange of goods and services. For example, The organization of tours combined between the two countries or promoting Vietnamese cuisine in Thailand may be an effective starting step.

The role of the Government and the Business

To make the most of the potential for cooperation, The role of the Government and the business is extremely important. The Vietnamese government needs to continue negotiating to expand the trade agreements, At the same time support small and medium enterprises (SME) Access to Thailand market through tax incentive policies and financial support. Meanwhile, Businesses need to actively seek Thai partners, Participate in business seminars, and invest in market research to understand the needs of Thai consumers.

The logistics industry is also a field that needs to be focused. With favorable geographical location, Both countries can cooperate to develop transport infrastructure and seaports, Reduce shipping costs and delivery time. Connecting road transport routes, The sea between Vietnam and Thailand will help enhance bilateral trade efficiency.

Socio -economic impact

The vibrant trade relations between Vietnam and Thailand not only bring economic benefits but also create a positive impact on society.. The increase in investment from Thailand has created thousands of jobs for Vietnamese workers, Especially in industrial parks in the South and Central. Simultaneously, The presence of Thai goods such as cars and household electricity has improved the quality of life of Vietnamese consumers.

However, The trade deficit also sets a challenge on the protection of the domestic manufacturing industry. If not controlled well, The dependence on imported goods can weaken domestic industries. Therefore, A balanced policy is needed to promote cooperation and protect national interests.

Future script

Looking back to the future, Bilateral trade turnover can reach US $ 20-25 billion at the end of 2025 if the two countries continue to maintain the current growth rate and effectively solve the deficit issues.. Areas like digital technology, medical, And education can also become a new bright spot in cooperation. For example, Thailand can share experiences in public health development, While Vietnam provides advanced information technology solutions.

Furthermore, Political and economic stability in both countries will be a solid foundation to promote trade relations. Regional initiatives like RCEP and AEC will continue to be the motivation, Help the two countries not only cooperate bilateral but also compete together in the global market.

Conclude

Vietnamese trade relations – Thailand is on the momentum of strong development, With turnover reached 12,US $ 3 billion in the first 7 months of 2025, Consolidating the position of Thailand is the largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. Despite the challenge of trade deficit, The potential of future cooperation is still very wide thanks to the economic supplement between the two countries. With the right strategies such as product diversification, Invest in domestic production, and cooperation in new fields such as green economy and tourism, This relationship promises to bring long -term benefits to both Vietnam and Thailand. In the context of ASEAN region more and more integration, The close cooperation between the two countries will not only promote economic development but also contribute to enhancing the position of both in the international arena..

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