Thailand Shipping & Selling eCommerce Guide

Looking into shipping to Thailand? You’re not alone!

The Southeast Asian nation boasts a large population, robust economy, and fast-growing eCommerce market, making it a prime cross-border opportunity to seriously consider. Before you actually start shipping to Thailand, it’s important to better understand its eCommerce landscape, shipping restrictions, import duties, and the like. Here’s a closer look at all of that and more!

Rapid eCommerce Growth in Thailand

The eCommerce sector in Thailand, with its population of over 68 million people, has continued to grow quickly in recent years. In 2018, the eCommerce sector recorded an approximately 14 percent increase year-over-year, with this number is expected to increase up to 20 percent by the end of 2019.

Whether you’ll be shipping to Thailand from the U.S. or any other location, your business is sure to benefit from the expected growth in the eCommerce sector in Thailand. With its number of online shoppers currently standing at over 12 million people, who spend an average of $283.95 shopping online, reports have shown that by 2022 the eCommerce market will account for approximately $5.8 billion in revenue.

This is due to the strong growth in the number of eCommerce users in the Southeast Asian country, which will increase to over 14 million people who are expected to spend approximately $401.73 shopping online.

Overall, this indicates strong growth in the country’s eCommerce sector, making it a prime selling opportunity for savvy online merchants!

Mobile Devices Dominate Online Shopping in Thailand

Internet penetration in Thailand stands at over 82 percent and is expected to increase in the next several years. The average time spent online has also increased considerably in the past few years.

Approximately 52 percent of the country’s online shoppers make their purchases through smartphones while 35 percent buy through tablets. Others make their purchases through the desktop. Over 50 percent of the country’s population are active social media users, meaning that advertising on Instagram and other social media channels can help to potentially boost your sales.

Local Online Marketplaces Stand Alongside Global Ones

Apart from choosing the cheapest shipping from the U.S. to Thailand, another important factor to consider are which online marketplaces to sell on in the country, which include a unique mixture of both international and local eCommerce websites.

Some of the most popular online marketplaces in Thailand include:

• Alibaba
• Lazada.co.th
• JD.com
• Amazon
• eBay
• Agoda
• Shopee
• Chilindo
• Notebook Spec
• Pantipmarket
• Advice
• JIB.com
• WeLoveShopping.com

Electronics, Fashion Items Most Popular

Although revenue from eCommerce cuts across all product categories in Thailand, electronics, and media is currently the most popular of all product categories in the country and account for approximately $1.4 billion in eCommerce market share, followed closely by fashion products, which currently generate over $700 million in sales.

By 2022, the electronics and media segment is expected to generate approximately $1.9 billion in revenue while fashion is expected to generate approximately $1.5 billion, indicating strong revenue growth overall.

Unique Holidays Offer Prime Selling Opportunities

Thailand boasts a rich culture with many unique holidays, which offers great selling opportunities! A few of the top times to consider selling and shipping to Thailand include:

• January – New Year’s and Children’s Day
• February – Maka Bucha Day
• March – National Elephant Day
• April – Chakri Memorial Day
• May – Royal Ploughing Ceremony
• June – Ghost Festival
• July – Start of Buddhist Lent
• August – Mother’s Day
• September – Moon Festival
• October – End of Buddhist Lent and Vegetarian Festival
• November – Loy Krathong Festival, Yipeng Lantern Festival, and Monkey Buffet Festival
• December – Father’s Day and Christmas

While shipping to Thailand from the U.S. or elsewhere, it’s important to note that most Southeast Asians, including Thais, spend more time shopping online on Wednesday during the midweek. Sales dip on Mondays, but on Saturdays and Sundays, mobile traffic can grow up to 90 percent.

Import Duties and Taxes in Thailand

VAT rates in Thailand start at seven percent, with the tax and duty threshold being 1,500 THB and the calculation method being CIF (Cost Insurance Freight).

Notably, many product categories face steep import duties in Thailand, including mobile devices, computers, laptops, and cameras, all of which face 21 percent duties. Home and appliance products, fashion items, watches, and luggage all face hefty 30 percent import duties as well.

Import Regulations in Thailand

Before shipping to Thailand, it’s very important to note the country’s import regulations. A closer look at restricted and prohibited items in Thailand include the following:

Restricted Items in Thailand

• Fresh food
• Hazardous goods
• Weapons and firearms
• Medicine
• Explosives
• Cosmetics

Prohibited Items in Thailand

• Drugs
• Objectionable publications
• Counterfeit currency
• Counterfeit goods

Local and Global Couriers in Thailand

Fortunately for online sellers, many global couriers offer reliable shipping to Thailand, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, USPS, APC, GlobalPost, and more. To find the best way to ship to Thailand for your company, be sure to always use the Easyship shipping rates calculator to find the cheapest shipping from the U.S. to Thailand as well as the fastest and best value overall options!

Ship to Thailand Today with Easyship

All in all, shipping to Thailand is a great way to boost your bottom line thanks to the country’s strong and growing eCommerce market. Sign up for a free Easyship account today to start selling to millions of new customers in the country!

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