BANGKOK, June 18, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Thai exports rose at their fastest pace for three years in May, driven by shipments to the United States, the kingdom's commerce ministry said Wednesday, as President Donald Trump's threatened tariffs loom.

Exports climbed 18.4 percent from a year earlier to $31 billion -- the highest monthly value in three years -- according to a statement from the ministry.

The jump was led by a 35 percent surge in shipments to the United States as the tariffs loom, with exports to China up 28 percent and nearly 23 percent to the Middle East.

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said in the statement the increase was helped by rising global demand for technology goods such as computers, hard drives and circuit boards.

Shipments of previously slumped agricultural products such as cassava, durian and mangosteen also picked up after five months of decline.

Thailand's Finance Minister said on Tuesday that the kingdom will begin trade talks with Washington later this week, starting with virtual meetings.

The May figures came a month after the government downgraded its 2025 growth forecast to 2.3-3.3 percent from 3.2-4.2 percent owing to uncertainty over "reciprocal tariffs".

Thai exports face a 36 percent levy on key goods under Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs if no agreement is reached to head them off before next month's deadline.