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End of era ordering cheap stuff online from China as Thailand imposes a 10% duty on low cost imports

Thai Examiner | English | News | Nov. 18, 2025 | Supply Chain Issues

Thailand will impose a 10% duty on low-value imports under ฿1,500 starting January 1, 2026, ending the previous exemption for small parcels. This move aims to combat a surge in cheap Chinese imports that have pressured local manufacturers and retailers, aligning Thailand with similar policies enacted by the United States and the European Union. The Finance Minister, Ekniti Nithanprapas, stated that the new duty will support Thai small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by curbing low-cost foreign goods that have undermined domestic production and market share.

The removal of the de minimis exemption will require that all imports, regardless of value, face duty assessment, increasing logistics complexity and processing times for cross-border e-commerce shipments. Logistics providers and carriers will need to implement new workflows and IT system upgrades to manage duty collection and customs clearance, while sellers must adjust pricing and shipping strategies. Some sellers may consolidate shipments to mitigate the new costs, and online platforms are expected to reconsider fulfillment models, potentially boosting local warehousing.

Local businesses, which have reported factory closures linked to cheap imports primarily from China, welcome the policy as it aims to equalize competition. However, detailed customs guidelines on valuation, classification, and documentation have yet to be issued, causing uncertainty among importers, carriers, and customs brokers preparing for compliance. The combined effects of the 2025 VAT and the upcoming 2026 duty overhaul signal a structural shift in Thailand’s e-commerce and import regime, likely raising prices on low-cost imports while supporting domestic manufacturing resilience in a globally tightening trade environment.

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