Why Jewelry Brands Are Suddenly Moving Production to Thailand in 2025
Why Fashion and Jewelry Brands Are Suddenly Moving Production to Thailand in 2025
Sky-high tariffs on China and India, record gold prices, and a booming, sustainability-minded supply chain have turned Thailand into the jewelry world’s new “sweet spot.” Here’s what’s pulling global brands to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and beyond.
1 | Tariffs & Cost Shocks Are Forcing a Rethink
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April-2025 tariff hikes on imported gemstones and finished jewelry added double-digit costs for U.S. buyers. (Get ready to pay more for that engagement ring you've been eyeing)
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Shifting final production to Thailand can sidestep many of those surcharges, protecting margins without raising retail prices overnight.
2 | Thailand’s Export Boom Signals Capacity & Reliability
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Gem and jewelry exports from Thailand jumped 148 % YoY in January 2025, hitting US $2.9 billion and proving the sector can scale fast for global demand. (Thai Gem and Jewellery Exports Surge in January, Driven by Gold and Platinum)
3 | World-Class Craftsmanship at Competitive Prices
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From large-scale leaders like Pranda Group to boutique houses such as Loytee, Thai factories blend high-precision stone setting with flexible MOQs—often at 20-30 % lower labor costs than Shenzhen or Jaipur.
4 | Sustainability Credentials Win Over Conscious Consumers
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Facilities such as Pandora’s LEED-certified “green crafting” campus in Lamphun showcase renewable energy use, closed-loop water systems, and recycled precious metals—helping brands tick ever-stricter ESG boxes. (Pandora opens new green crafting facility in Thailand - Scandasia)
5 | Government Incentives Sweeten the Deal
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Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) classifies jewelry under its “Light Industry” priority sector, offering tax holidays, duty-free machinery imports, and 100 % foreign ownership for promoted projects. (Activities qualified for investment incentives in Thailand - RBA Group)
6 | Strategic Location & Robust Logistics
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Two deep-sea ports, a global air-cargo hub at Suvarnabhumi, and ASEAN’s RCEP trade network let finished goods move to U.S., EU, and Middle-East markets faster and cheaper than most competitors.
7 | Custom & DTC-Friendly Production
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Thai factories are comfortable with small runs, rapid prototyping, and CAD/CAM workflows—ideal for high-margin, made-to-order drops or influencer capsules where speed beats volume.
Quick Checklist for Brands Eyeing Thailand
| Question | Why It Matters | Thailand Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| How big is your next tariff hit? | Determines landed-cost savings | Duty-free for many inputs + lower MFN rates |
| Do you need lower MOQs? | Reduces cash tied in inventory | Common MOQs as low as 50 pcs/style |
| ESG reporting pressure? | Retailers now require data | LEED, recycled metals, traceable supply chain |
| Speed-to-market goals? | Trend cycles are shrinking | 2-week sample, 4-6-week bulk is typical |
| Long-term expansion? | Scale without new plant cap-ex | BOI tax breaks & skilled labor pool |
Thinking About Making the Move?
At Loytee, we’ve shepherded dozens of brands through a smooth Thailand transition. Reach out to our team on our Contact Page to learn more about our OEM and ODM services today.
