Thailand’s air conditioners and parts continue to be one of the country’s primary export products, according to the Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Commerce. With the export value increasing steadily, it is generating significant income for the country. As of now, Thailand is the second-largest exporter of air conditioners and parts worldwide.
Recent statistics indicate that in the first two months of the year (Jan.-Feb.), Thailand exported air conditioners and parts to the world market worth US$ 1,423 million, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in the previous year. Window air conditioners or wall-mounted air conditioners constituted 68% of the total air conditioner and parts exports. The primary export markets are the United States, the European Union, ASEAN, Australia, India, and Japan. In 2022, Thailand’s exports of air conditioners and parts to the world market were worth US$ 7,044 million, a growth of 9%.
Currently, 16 FTA partners, including ASEAN, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Peru, and Hong Kong, no longer collect tariffs on air conditioners and parts from Thailand. However, vehicle air conditioners are taxed at a rate of 5%, and India has a tax on window or wall air conditioners and air conditioners in vehicles at a 5% rate.
Entrepreneurs should focus on developing modern production technology and consider market demand while keeping in mind environmental conservation and energy-saving measures. For instance, using inverter technology to save energy and developing products that can connect to the internet network or control via smartphones to meet modern lifestyle needs.