Thailand's automotive industry is facing mounting pressure as the Israel-US war on Iran disrupts shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, delaying vehicle exports to the Middle East, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The Middle East is Thailand's third-largest export market for vehicles, after Asia and Australia, with strong demand for pickup trucks. Roll-on/roll-off ships, which transport cars, motorcycles and trucks, are now holding back more than 200,000 vehicles bound for the Middle East due to concerns over attacks on cargo vessels. In February, car shipments fell 0.05% year-on-year to 81,195 units, with declines across Asia, Oceania, Australia and the Middle East. Despite these challenges, overall domestic sales between January and February rose 25.5% year-on-year to 122,218 units, driven by earlier BEV demand.

Source: Bangkok Post March 24, 2026 21:48 UTC