Ms. Pimchanok Wonkohporn, Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (OTP) stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has led people to avoid public places and spend more time at home, resulting in a significant increase in online commerce (e-Commerce), which has become an essential trading channel to support the export of agricultural and food products that are in high demand in China at this time, as well as household items such as furniture, small decorative items, and aromatherapy and spa products.

Data from JD.com indicates that orders for rice and dairy products have surged by over 154% compared to the same period last year, along with seafood and beef products. Additionally, it has been reported that most people prefer to order food delivery, and many restaurants have started adapting by collaborating with various application platforms, such as extending delivery distances, selling frozen food, semi-prepared meals, and expanding sales channels to supermarkets. It has also been observed that Chinese people are increasingly searching for online activities, such as online games, exercising through applications, and medical consultation services.

Currently, the world is closely monitoring the progress of controlling the COVID-19 outbreak and assessing its impact on the global economy and trade in the near future. The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) predicts that the outbreak will be controlled by the first quarter and estimates that the Chinese economy will grow by 5.4%. The OTP anticipates that the Chinese government will implement economic stimulus measures thereafter to avoid an economic slowdown and maintain the momentum of economic recovery. Furthermore, over 62 foreign trade offices in 42 countries worldwide have continuously reported various updates to the Ministry of Commerce to inform exporters of the situation and adjust their export plans promptly.

"In 2019, exports from Thailand to China were valued at $29.172 billion, with China being the main market for Thai agricultural and food exports, such as rubber, cassava, frozen and dried fruits, fresh chilled and frozen chicken. Major export cities in Thailand include Guangdong (28.0%), Shanghai (26.0%), and Shandong (14.0), respectively. In 2020, the Ministry of Commerce planned to continue marketing in China to stimulate the export of potential products, focusing on both major cities and deep market penetration in provinces. Key products expected to drive exports to China in 2020 include frozen and dried fruits, fresh chilled and frozen chicken, cosmetics, automobiles and components, motorcycles, and rubber products."

As for e-commerce and digital content services, they are gaining momentum amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The State Post Bureau of China held a meeting with seven major logistics companies, including Zhongtong, Yuantong, Shentong, Yunda, Best, Debang, and Suning, to prepare for transportation support to meet the demand for online shopping, which has already resumed normal operations. It is expected that by the end of this month, approximately 40% of transportation will return to normal.

"The digital content service sector is another area with potential for growth and trade opportunities. This is a good time for Thailand to penetrate the digital content market, such as dramas or TV shows, which are becoming increasingly popular in China. This is also an opportunity to promote Thai products, culture, and tourism through online media to raise awareness and stimulate demand for Thai goods and services, especially if the situation improves, particularly in the tourism sector."

Regarding exports and imports, cargo ports, customs checkpoints, and various agencies have returned to normal operations since February 10, 2020 (except in Hubei province, which remains closed, with only some locations, such as Yangluo Port in Wuhan, open for receiving goods to prevent the spread of the virus). It is expected that it may take 2 to 4 weeks to gradually clear the backlog of goods that were stuck during the closure before returning to normal traffic.

However, some areas may still experience delays due to congestion and some staff continuing to work from home. Therefore, during this period of rapid changes, exporters should closely coordinate with local partners to seek guidance on suitable shipping routes, as well as finding cold storage and containers to preserve perishable goods while awaiting processing.

Source: Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (OTP)