Thailand joins other Asia nations in battle against cheap Chinese imports

Inventory issues are a concern for some Thai businesses like baby clothes store Pretty Baby in Bangkok, Thailand, Dec. 17, 2024. Ben’s Socks store owner Banchob Pianphanitpor says his business has seen sales reduce by half since low quality imports came into Thailand from China, in Bangkok, Dec. 17, 2024. Many businesses in Bobae Shopping Mall are closed because of stiff competition from cheaper imports from China, in Bangkok, Dec. 17, 2024.

For many countries in Southeast Asia, Chinese investment and tourism are key to their economies. However, cheap low-quality Chinese products that are flooding markets across the region are also raising concerns about how they are undercutting local businesses, experts say.