Thailand-Cambodia Border Closure Devastates Fruits and Vegetables, Export Losses Expected to Reach 60 Billion Baht

Recently, the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) in Thailand warned that if the Thai-Cambodian border closure continues until the end of this year, border exports could decrease by 60 billion baht (approximately 13.27 billion yuan).

According to reports, Thai-Cambodian border trade continued to grow in the first five months of 2025, reaching 80.72 billion baht, an increase of 11.20% compared to the same period last year. Thailand's exports were 63.07 billion baht, a 9% increase; imports were 17.64 billion baht, a 20% increase, resulting in a trade surplus of 45.43 billion baht for Thailand.

Due to the border closure starting June 7, personnel and cargo transit, as well as domestic and international tourism in Thailand, have come to a standstill, with trade expected to decline in June. Communications with provincial commerce offices along the border indicate that commercial activities have slowed, with many stores on both sides of the border already closed.

According to reports, the export sectors most affected by the border closure are vegetables and fruits. However, as it coincides with the end of the harvest season, the impact is limited. Regarding imports, particularly cassava for processing and export, the department noted that alternative sourcing from other countries, especially Laos, is possible, with over 60% of Thailand's cassava imports coming from Laos.

Image source: Bangkok Post 2025 International Fruit and Vegetable Report. All rights reserved. Reproduction requires permission from International Fruit and Vegetable Report.