As an upstream industry, construction materials follow a similar trend to construction investment, while building materials account for more than half of construction’s value. The most common types of construction materials in Thailand are structural materials, such as cement and steel, and ornamental materials, including ceramic tiles and sanitary wares. Together, they accounted for nearly half of the total
. The majority of Thailand's construction material production is for domestic use. However, construction material manufacturers saw an opportunity in the overseas market, with most of Thailand’s construction material export markets being countries in the ASEAN region.
Thai construction materials market
Thai construction materials, namely steel, cement, and ceramics, are sought after due to their affordability and durability. Thailand’s construction supplies market is very competitive on both the domestic and international fronts. The country’s construction materials are exported to several nations, primarily Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Thai construction supply businesses also continue to have strong market potential in ASEAN or niche markets familiar with Thai brands, including Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and more.
On the other hand, Thailand's largest economic development initiative,
the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project, with an investment target of 500 million Thai baht, presents its construction material industry with a substantial number of planned infrastructure projects. These projects include airports, industrial estates, and high-speed rail. With a strong drive in construction material demand, Thailand stands to benefit from the promising prospects underway.
Increasing demand for sustainability and the Thai construction material industry
Manufacturing construction materials such as steel and cement produce a significant quantity of pollution. Being pressured by trade partners to lower
carbon emissions could pose a significant challenge to Thailand's construction material sector. For example, the United States, Japan, and the European Union (EU) established import regulations and implemented non-tariff trade protection measures based on environmental criteria. Since cement and steel were among the five products specified by the EU to have a
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) certificate, Thai construction material exporters are in dire need of adapting to deal with the challenges. Meanwhile, in developing countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, building and home designs remain more traditional. Therefore, the reduced carbon emissions from construction material production may not yet be of much concern.
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