Why Thailand's computer part exports are surging and how your business can capitalize

Thailand's computer exports and related parts have seen an impressive surge, jumping 104% from May 2024 to May 2025¹. This remarkable growth highlights Thailand's established yet evolving role as a key manufacturer and exporter of computers, computer components, and electronic parts. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind this significant surge in electronics export and how Thai businesses can capitalize on the crucial international opportunities. 

Why Thailand's computer and parts exports are surging

The surge in Thailand's computer and electronic parts exports stems from a combination of factors, ranging from its well-honed domestic capabilities to shifting global economic currents.

Established manufacturing ecosystem and expertise

Thailand's strong performance in computer exports is deeply rooted in its mature and robust electronics manufacturing sector. Decades of strategic investment and development have also cultivated an environment particularly strong in Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Integrated Circuits (ICs). 

Notably, Thailand produces 80% of the world’s HDDs, a testament to its long-standing presence and specialized capabilities². This ecosystem is bolstered by a highly skilled workforce, proficient in the precision manufacturing and assembly required for intricate electronic components. Furthermore, a well-integrated domestic electronics supply chain ensures efficient production and responsiveness to global demand.

Global demand and market dynamics

Beyond its internal strengths, Thailand benefits significantly from evolving global market dynamics. The persistent post-pandemic digitalization, driven by remote work and online education, continues to fuel high demand for computers and parts. This is evident with the worldwide PC shipments totalling over 63 million units in Q2 2025, marking a 4.4% increase from Q2 2024³.

Exponential growth in data centers and cloud computing further fuels demand for storage devices like HDDs and SSDs, alongside critical server components. Also, the rise of emerging technologies, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), creates new avenues for integrated circuit export and other advanced components. These innovations require significant processing power, directly boosting demand for high-performance chips.

Additionally, the "China Plus One" strategy sees global companies diversifying manufacturing bases away from China. This shift has led to increased foreign direct investment (FDI) into Thailand. As evidence, foreign investment in Thailand saw a significant increase during the first five months of 2025 (January–May), with 426 foreign entities approved to operate businesses under the Foreign Business Act 1999⁴.

Government support and strategic location

Thailand's government plays a pivotal role in fostering the growth of its electronics industry and supply chain. For instance, proactive policies from the Board of Investment (BOI) offer attractive tax exemptions and incentives to draw and retain high-tech manufacturing. 

Significantly, Thailand is prioritizing workforce development to meet the needs of these industries, and companies that invest in employee upskilling are eligible for tax deductions of up to 250%, directly enhancing the expertise of the labor pool in precision manufacturing and assembling components⁵.

Furthermore, Thailand benefits significantly from various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and its participation in the WTO's Information Technology Agreement (ITA). These agreements enable tariff-free electronics export of IT-related products to major global markets, enhancing competitiveness for Thai businesses. 

This favorable trade environment, combined with Thailand's strategic geographic location at the heart of South-East Asia, provides well-developed international logistics. At the same time, Thailand offers connectivity to key Asian and global markets, making it an ideal hub for the electronics supply chain.

Opportunities for Thai exporters in the international arena

With Thailand’s robust electronics manufacturing foundation and favorable market conditions, businesses can seize these significant opportunities for export in the international arena.

Expanding into high-growth product segments

Thai exporters can strategically expand their reach by focusing on these global electronic product categories:

• Advanced storage solutions: Beyond traditional computer parts such as HDDs, there are growing opportunities in solid-state drives (SSDs) and specialized storage solutions for data centers and enterprise applications.
• Specialized ICs and semiconductors: A key area for growth lies in niche integrated circuits export designed for specific applications, such as those in the rapidly expanding automotive, industrial IoT, and medical device sectors, where demand is consistently rising.
• Assembly and sub-assembly for new tech: Thailand is well-positioned to become a go-to hub for assembling and shipping components for cutting-edge technologies like drones, robotics, and smart home devices, leveraging its manufacturing expertise.
• Components for EVs & smart cars: Tapping into the rapidly growing market for electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving systems presents a significant opportunity for Thai manufacturers to supply specialized electronic components.

Targeting key international markets

To maximize their electronics and computer parts exports, Thai businesses should strategically target a mix of established and emerging international markets. This involves deepening their presence in major existing markets like the United States, China, Hong Kong, ASEAN countries, and the EU, all of which are significant importers of Thai computer parts. 

Concurrently, there are substantial opportunities to explore new growth in emerging and diversified markets actively seeking reliable alternative suppliers. This includes shipping to countries such as India, Mexico, and other Asian economies that are expanding their own electronics manufacturing capabilities. 

Proactively engaging with global companies looking to diversify and strengthen their electronics supply chain resilience is also key. By using this approach, Thai businesses can position themselves as a preferred manufacturing and export partner.

Look to move up the value chain

For sustained growth and increased profitability, Thai computer exporters should aim to move beyond traditional manufacturing and enhance their position within the global value chain. A crucial step here is investing in or partnering for increased research and development (R&D). 

This strategic shift moves Thai manufacturing beyond labor-intensive assembly towards higher-value design and innovation, thereby strengthening the overall electronics manufacturing supply chain. 

Additionally, Thai manufacturers can explore opportunities to develop their own brands or engage directly with international B2B clients to yield greater returns. This approach allows them to capture more value directly from the market, rather than solely operating as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) or Original Design Manufacturers (ODM).

Ship computer parts from Thailand to the world with DHL Express

The current surge in computer parts exports presents an opportunity for Thai businesses to expand their global footprint. With the world's increasing demand for advanced electronics, leveraging efficient international logistics is key to success. 

Don't miss out on this growth. Partner with DHL Express for reliable, efficient, and compliant export service for your high-value computer and electronic goods to markets worldwide. 

Check the shipping rates now or open a business account to get started!