Key points
- Thailand is experiencing a spectacular surge in its gem and jewelry export sector, positioning itself as a rising force in the global trade of precious stones and crafted jewelry.
- This success reflects the potential of the Thai economy that has recovered steadily, as the government continues to develop Thailand into a global gem trading hub.
- With focused policies aimed at promoting innovation, streamlining exports, and backing local entrepreneurs, Thailand is preparing to stake its claim as a premier global gem trading hub.
Bangkok Gems News: Record Breaking Export Surge
Thailand is experiencing a spectacular surge in its gem and jewelry export sector, positioning itself as a rising force in the global trade of precious stones and crafted jewelry. The country has seen four straight months of significant export growth, with February 2025 marking an especially impressive milestone. According to Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, deputy government spokeswoman, exports of gems and jewelry excluding gold reached over 2,298 million US dollars—approximately 80 billion baht—representing an explosive 104.23 percent increase year-on-year. When gold is included, the total export value jumps to 4,032.21 million US dollars, a growth of 121.29 percent.
Title: Thailand to be repositioned as a global gem powerhouse
Image Credit: Stockshots
The momentum carried into the first two months of 2025, where the combined export value of gems and jewelry excluding gold hit 3,231.58 million US dollars, up 73.22 percent. Including gold, the total stood at 6,133.71 million US dollars, marking a robust rise of 102.32 percent. This Bangkok Gems News report underscores the growing global appetite for Thai gemstones, which continues to shine despite fluctuating global economic conditions.
Key Markets and Stunning Commodity Increases
The United States remains the top buyer, increasing its imports by 31.61 percent—largely due to efforts to avoid potential tariff measures. Other European markets such as Germany, Italy, and the UK also recorded healthy increases of 8.56, 4.37, and 13.80 percent, respectively. Japan mirrored Italy’s growth rate at 4.37 percent. However, not all markets fared equally—Hong Kong, Belgium, Qatar, and the UAE all saw sharp declines, with Qatar’s imports plunging by nearly 47 percent.
Among commodities, platinum exports stood out with an almost unbelievable 155,712 percent increase, driven almost entirely by demand from India. Silver jewelry exports climbed by 12.18 percent, platinum jewelry rose by 40.99 percent, rough gems went up 11.17 percent, polished hard gems increased by 22.34 percent, and polished soft gems saw a 14.17 percent rise. Artificial jewelry also showed modest growth of 2.98 percent. The steady climb across nearly every category signals that international buyers are not only purchasing for luxury, but also increasingly for investment purposes.
Strong Outlook and Government Support
Looking ahead, March exports are projected to maintain strong growth, especially in the American market, where buyers are accelerating orders to sidestep potential trade complications. The Thai government is not letting this momentum go to waste. With focused policies aimed at promoting innovation, streamlining exports, and backing local entrepreneurs, Thailand is preparing to stake its claim as a premier global gem trading hub.
Ms. Sasikarn emphasized, “The government is committed to promoting the Thai gem industry to grow sustainably, while also supporting entrepreneurs and expanding export markets continuously. This success reflects the potential of the Thai economy that has recovered steadily, as the government continues to develop Thailand into a global gem trading hub.”
Thailand’s growing dominance in the global gem trade signals more than just short-term economic wins. It reflects the country’s resilience, adaptability, and commitment to long-term growth through innovation, international cooperation, and government support. If this trajectory continues, Thailand could soon become the epicenter of the global gemstone industry.
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