Thailand-CIS Trade in 2026: 5 Import Business Niches Investors Should Know

Trade between Thailand and CIS countries keeps expanding, even though no free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has been signed yet. Trade turnover with Kazakhstan alone reached 235.5 million USD for January-November 2025, up 7.5% year-on-year. For investors from Russia and CIS states, this signals a concrete window of opportunity: enter raw material import chains before competition tightens.

Thailand currently trades under standard WTO rules and bilateral framework agreements. Negotiations for an EAEU free trade zone have been underway since 2024, with intensified talks expected in 2026. If the FTA is signed, tariffs will drop, and early movers who have already built supply chains will gain a lead of at least 2-3 years.

Quick Answer

• Thailand-Kazakhstan trade turnover reached 235.5 million USD (+7.5%) over 11 months of 2025

• No FTA between Thailand and the EAEU has been signed as of April 2026, though negotiations are gaining momentum

• Key import niches from CIS to Thailand: metals, fertilizers, petroleum products, grain, oilseed crops

• Thailand exports to CIS: automobiles, tires, electronics, medical devices, agricultural products

• Business model: import raw materials from CIS, process them in Thailand, re-export finished goods to ASEAN, Europe, and the US

• Trade keeps growing even without preferential tariffs, signaling structural rather than temporary demand

Key Facts

• Kazakhstan remains Thailand's largest trading partner in Central Asia. Main import items include zinc, molybdenum, ferroalloys, iron, and steel

• Belarus and Kazakhstan hold strong potential for supplying chemicals and potash fertilizers, both critical to Thailand's agricultural sector

• Thailand's exports to CIS countries grew faster than the average across other markets in 2025, particularly in automobiles, commercial vehicles, and electronics

• Thailand's economy follows a classic model: purchase raw materials, add value through local processing, then re-export finished goods to ASEAN, EU, and North American markets

• EAEU FTA negotiations have been ongoing since 2024. Signing the agreement could sharply cut customs barriers, making already established supply chains even more profitable

• Thailand supplies CIS countries with auto parts, climate control equipment, rubber goods, and processed agricultural products

• Steady trade growth without preferential tariffs confirms the demand is structural, not cyclical

Worth noting for context: Thailand's broader appeal to international capital is also visible in real estate, where demand from foreign buyers, including Russians, rose about 46.4% year-on-year in H1 2026, with total investment climbing to 60.7 million USD (2.05 billion baht), according to Kommersant. That parallel surge in property and trade interest points to the same underlying trend: Thailand is becoming a strategic hub connecting Southeast Asia with CIS markets.

How to Start: Step by Step

1. Identify your product niche. Analyze the five key categories: metals and ores, fertilizers, petroleum products, grain, oilseeds. Choose one where you already have supplier access in the CIS or logistics expertise

2. Study the tariff structure. Check import duty rates for your target goods through the Thai Customs Department. Without an FTA, rates follow the Most Favored Nation (MFN) regime under WTO rules

3. Register a company in Thailand. Import activity requires a Thai legal entity (Co., Ltd.) with an import license. A foreign investor can hold up to 49% of shares unless a special BOI (Board of Investment) license is obtained

4. Apply for BOI promotion. If your project involves processing imported raw materials, the Board of Investment may grant tax incentives, 100% foreign ownership rights, and exemptions from import duties on equipment and materials

5. Build your logistics chain. Main routes run through Laem Chabang port (eastern seaboard) and Bangkok Port. Plan a scouting trip to negotiate directly with local logistics operators before committing

6. Open a bank account for trade operations. Bangkok Bank and Kasikornbank have dedicated departments for foreign companies. Confirm the availability of correspondent accounts for settlements with CIS suppliers

7. Sign your first trial contracts. Start with small batches to test customs clearance, delivery times, and quality. Scale up after 2-3 successful shipments

8. Track FTA negotiations closely. The EAEU agreement could be signed in 2026-2027. Companies with supply chains already running will gain an automatic competitive edge once tariffs drop

FAQ

Does Thailand have a free trade agreement with the EAEU?

No, as of April 2026 no FTA has been signed. Negotiations have been ongoing since 2024, with intensified talks expected in 2026. Trade currently runs under standard WTO rules and bilateral framework agreements.

What goods does Thailand import from CIS countries?

Main categories include metals and ores (zinc, molybdenum, ferroalloys, steel), chemicals and fertilizers, crude oil and petroleum products, grain and oilseed crops. These serve as raw materials for Thai industry and agriculture.

What is Thailand's trade turnover with Kazakhstan?

For January-November 2025, trade turnover reached 235.5 million USD, up 7.5% compared to the same period the previous year.

Can I open an import company in Thailand with foreign ownership?

Yes, but the standard limit is 49% foreign ownership in a Thai company. For 100% foreign control, you need a BOI license, granted to projects in priority sectors such as raw material processing, manufacturing, and high technology.

What are the import duties on raw materials from CIS to Thailand?

Without an FTA, MFN (Most Favored Nation) rates apply under WTO rules. Specific rates depend on the product classification. Current rates are available through the Thai Customs Department.

Is it more profitable to import raw materials or finished goods?

Importing raw materials for local processing in Thailand is the classic model that delivers maximum margin. Finished goods are then re-exported to ASEAN, EU, and US markets under preferential tariffs thanks to Thailand's existing FTAs with those regions.

What will change once the EAEU FTA is signed?

Expect reduced or eliminated import duties on key product categories, simplified customs procedures, and mutual recognition of certifications. Companies already operating in the niche will gain an immediate competitive advantage.

Which ports handle imports into Thailand?

The main cargo port is Laem Chabang (Chonburi province, eastern seaboard). The second most significant is Bangkok Port (Klong Toey). For bulk cargo like ore and grain, Map Ta Phut port is also used.

What's the minimum budget to start an import business?

Company registration costs 30,000-50,000 THB. The minimum registered capital required for a foreign work permit is 2 million THB per foreign employee. Budget for a first trial shipment varies by product, but a realistic entry threshold starts at 100,000 USD, factoring in procurement, logistics, and customs clearance.

Trade between Thailand and CIS countries sits at a stage where barriers remain high but demand is already established. Those who build working supply chains now will secure market share before the FTA is signed and gain a strategic advantage for years to come. The time to act is now.

Source: Kommersant

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