The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is helping Thai businesses explore new markets, resulting in more than 3 billion baht in revenue for the country.
Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, director-general of the DITP, said a special task force (STF) project assists Thai entrepreneurs affected by the US tariffs to explore new markets.
In partnership with industry organisations including the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai National Shippers' Council, the DITP identified potential new markets across four regions.
The project facilitated five trade delegations that focused on specialised product offerings, targeting 179 businesses with an original goal of generating 1.6 billion baht in purchase orders.
However, the results far exceeded expectations, generating more than 3 billion baht in orders, she said.
The five trade delegations were organised in different regions.
In Latin America, covering Argentina, Chile and Brazil, the focus was on auto parts, machinery, construction materials, canned food and snacks, generating 595 million baht.
In the Middle East, with a focus on the United Arab Emirates, the mission targeted future food, animal feed and pet food, securing orders worth 207 million baht.
In Africa, with Mali, Senegal and Ivory Coast as key markets, the emphasis was on agricultural and food processing machinery, which generated 797 million baht.
In India, the delegation concentrated on furniture, tableware, construction materials and large project items, resulting in orders valued at 1.33 billion baht.
Another mission to India, focusing on food and food processing products, contributed 100 million baht.
Ms Sunanta said feedback from numerous markets was upbeat, particularly in Latin America, where both Argentina and Chile expressed strong interest in Thai products.
There are ongoing discussions about broadening efforts into other South American regions, with Colombia, Peru and Ecuador identified as promising new markets.
She said participants from the private sector noted travelling as part of a government-backed trade delegation fostered confidence and collaboration. Many acknowledged the challenges they would have faced entering these markets independently.
The STF initiative, with a budget of 33 million baht, generated economic returns of 3.03 billion baht, enabling 149 businesses to maintain competitiveness and support jobs in export-related sectors, including logistics, packaging and auxiliary industries, said Ms Sunanta.
In the final quarter, the DITP plans to explore three additional markets, expecting to generate roughly 190 million baht and enhance the long-term competitiveness of Thai businesses.
The new targets comprise western China, covering Chengdu, Chongqing and Xishuangbanna, focusing on food, beverages and pet food; Vietnam for mother and baby products; and Mumbai, India, for environmental products and services.