Thailand's gemstone exports in February decreased by 29.32%, but gold exports remained strong.

According to reports from Thailand, Sumeth Prasongphongchai, the director of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Research Institute, revealed that in February 2026, Thailand's gem and jewelry exports, excluding gold, amounted to $16.2404 billion, a decrease of 29.32% compared to the same period last year, reversing the growth trend in January. Including gold, the total export value was $27.2777 billion, down 15.59%. In the first two months of 2026, the export value excluding gold was $34.3216 billion, a decrease of 14.88%, while the total export value including gold increased by 18.92% to $72.9397 billion. Gold remains the most prominent category. In February alone, gold exports reached $11.0374 billion, an increase of 18.22%, marking the seventh consecutive month of growth. Factors driving the growth in gold exports include: rising international gold prices, geopolitical tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran, new tariffs imposed by the US under Section 122, and continued buying of SPDR Gold Trust funds. In the first two months of this year, total gold exports reached $38.6181 billion, an increase of 83.76%.