Diversification Beyond Agriculture: Key Thai-U.S. Trade Products

While agricultural exports are an economic linchpin for Thailand, the trade relationship with the United States spans a much broader spectrum of goods. In fact, non-agricultural exports account for the lion’s share of Thai shipments to the U.S., reinforcing the multifaceted nature of this bilateral commerce. These product categories not only drive export value but also reflect Thailand’s industrial sophistication and its integration into global manufacturing networks.

Automotive Parts and Vehicles

Thailand has earned its moniker as the “Detroit of Asia” for good reason. The country is a regional hub for automotive production, particularly for Japanese and American manufacturers operating in Southeast Asia. Thai exports of auto parts, engines, and assembled vehicles to the U.S. have surged in recent years, contributing over $4 billion USD annually.

A renewed Trump administration could pose both opportunities and risks to this sector. On one hand, Trump's focus on bilateralism might spur negotiations for more direct vehicle trade terms. On the other, his penchant for tightening “rules of origin” and demanding higher domestic content requirements could disrupt supply chains reliant on Thailand for subcomponents. Further, any proposed tariff hikes on imported vehicles or components—as Trump previously threatened—would ripple through Thailand’s industrial base.

Electronics and Integrated Circuits

Another cornerstone of Thai exports is electronics—particularly hard disk drives (HDDs), integrated circuits, and printed circuit boards. American tech giants, from Western Digital to Seagate, have manufacturing bases in Thailand, turning the country into a vital node in the global data storage and semiconductor supply chain.

Exports of electronics and related equipment to the U.S. routinely exceed $6 billion USD per year. However, this sector is especially sensitive to shifts in U.S. industrial policy. Trump’s prior emphasis on repatriating critical tech production to American soil could reignite in a second term. Though Thailand’s established infrastructure offers cost and scale advantages, it may face strategic pressure to realign its electronics sector toward U.S. security and supply chain doctrines—particularly concerning technology dependencies on China.

Gems and Jewelry

Thailand is also a global leader in gemstone cutting, polishing, and jewelry manufacturing. The United States remains its largest export market for these luxury items, with annual shipments exceeding $1.5 billion USD. This sector benefits from strong consumer demand and brand-oriented craftsmanship.

However, it remains vulnerable to both cyclical economic downturns and regulatory changes. A Trump-era increase in import duties on luxury goods—whether for revenue generation or as part of broader tax reform—could reduce U.S. consumer demand. Moreover, enhanced customs scrutiny or anti-money laundering measures might further complicate the trade in high-value items such as diamonds and gold jewelry.

Textiles and Apparel

Although the textile sector has seen relative decline in Thailand, it continues to supply considerable volumes of apparel and fabrics to the U.S. market, primarily in niche segments like high-quality cotton garments and industrial textiles. These exports have been under pressure due to GSP revocation and competition from lower-cost producers like Vietnam and Bangladesh.

Should Trump return to the White House, his administration may either double down on tariff protections for U.S. textile producers or—paradoxically—seek to restore favorable terms to incentivize “friend-shoring” away from China. Thailand’s prospects in this scenario depend on its ability to demonstrate both compliance with labor standards and strategic value as a reliable sourcing partner.

Rubber and Industrial Goods

Thailand, the world’s largest producer of natural rubber, also exports vast quantities of rubber products—ranging from tires to medical gloves—to the United States. This sector surged during the COVID-19 pandemic due to demand for protective equipment. Exports have since normalized but remain strong, with value exceeding $2 billion USD annually.

Here, tariff risk under Trump’s “America First” doctrine could be acute, particularly if the administration seeks to support domestic rubber industries in southern U.S. states. Thailand may also face regulatory scrutiny on environmental sustainability, labor conditions, and chemical residues—all potential pretexts for trade restrictions in a second Trump term.