SME Competitiveness Index Drops in Q2 2026

Khaosod•Economy•20d ago

Reader Briefing

The SME competitiveness index for the second quarter of 2026 declined to 45.1, with micro-sized businesses experiencing the most significant struggle.

•The SME competitiveness index for Q2/2026 dropped by 0.8 points to 45.1.
•Micro-sized businesses recorded the lowest business capability index at 43.1.
•The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce forecasts MSME GDP growth between 2.2-2.7% in 2026.
•SMEs are requesting government assistance regarding cost reduction, liquidity, and digital skill development.

Overview

•The SME competitiveness index in Q2/2026 stood at 45.1, a decrease of 0.8 points from the previous quarter.
•Business capability indices for medium, small, and micro-sized businesses were 50.7, 47.8, and 43.1 respectively.
•The manufacturing sector had the highest index at 49.1, followed by the service sector at 46.5 and the trade sector at 44.9.
•Profit margins have not improved despite better sales due to high costs, specifically fuel prices.
•Business situation, business capability, and business sustainability indices for Q2/2026 were all below 50, indicating weakness.
•The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce predicts MSME GDP growth of 2.2-2.7% for the year 2026.
•SMEs are urging the government to reduce costs for water, electricity, transport, and cooking gas.
•SMEs propose government support for low-interest loans, E-Commerce expansion, and AI/Data Analytic training.

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Key Entities

Person

Thanawat Ponvichai(ธนวรรธน์ พลวิชัย)

President and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Wachira Kuntavitep(วชิร คูณทวีเทพ)

Dean of the Faculty of Economics at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Organization

Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce(ศูนย์พยากรณ์เศรษฐกิจ และธุรกิจ ม.หอการค้าไทย)

The entity that conducted the survey on the SME competitiveness index for Q2/2026.

University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce(ม.หอการค้าไทย)ℹ️

An academic institution that provided the survey results and GDP forecasts for MSMEs in 2026.