Thailand Invites Imerys to Strengthen EV Battery Supply Chain Investment

Thailand is continuing efforts to strengthen its electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem by engaging with major international companies involved in battery materials and advanced industrial technologies. The country’s Board of Investment (BOI) announced on May 25, 2026, that the Thai Prime Minister led a delegation to Paris for discussions with executives from several leading French firms regarding future investment opportunities across strategic industries. The meetings highlighted Thailand’s ambition to expand its role as a regional hub for electric vehicle production and advanced manufacturing.

One of the key companies involved in the discussions was Imerys, a global producer of graphite and conductive carbon black materials used in lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems. Thai officials encouraged the company to evaluate potential investment opportunities within Thailand, emphasizing the country’s growing EV ecosystem and established manufacturing infrastructure. The government also highlighted opportunities to strengthen local sourcing capabilities for battery materials as demand for electric vehicles continues to increase across regional markets.

The BOI noted that Thailand currently serves as the largest electric vehicle production base in Southeast Asia, making it an attractive destination for companies seeking to expand operations connected to battery manufacturing and advanced mobility technologies. The discussions with Imerys reflected Thailand’s broader strategy to attract investments that can improve domestic supply chain capabilities, increase industrial competitiveness, and support long-term growth in the EV sector. Battery materials and energy storage technologies remain among the priority industries targeted under the country’s industrial development roadmap.

French industrial companies have continued to demonstrate interest in expanding their operations in Thailand across automotive and manufacturing-related sectors. Existing French companies with automotive-related activities in the country include Michelin, Valeo, Faurecia, and Saint-Gobain. These companies contribute to Thailand’s established automotive ecosystem, which supports both domestic production and export-oriented manufacturing activities throughout the region.

French Investment Applications in Thailand

According to the BOI, Thailand received 93 investment promotion applications from French companies between 2021 and March 2026. The combined value of these applications exceeded THB 29 billion, demonstrating continued confidence from French investors in Thailand’s industrial and manufacturing environment. The latest meetings in Paris further reinforced cooperation between Thailand and France in areas linked to electric mobility, advanced materials, and future-oriented manufacturing technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Thailand invite Imerys to invest in the country?
Thailand invited Imerys to explore investment opportunities to strengthen the country’s electric vehicle battery supply chain and advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Imerys produces graphite and conductive carbon black materials used in lithium-ion battery electrodes and energy storage systems. Thai officials believe that attracting companies involved in battery materials can improve local sourcing capabilities and reinforce Thailand’s position as Southeast Asia’s leading EV production hub. The initiative also supports long-term industrial growth linked to electrification and advanced mobility technologies.

Which French automotive companies currently operate in Thailand?
Several French companies already maintain automotive-related operations in Thailand, contributing to the country’s manufacturing and supply chain ecosystem. These include Michelin, Valeo, Faurecia, and Saint-Gobain. Their presence reflects ongoing industrial cooperation between Thailand and France across automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors. Thailand continues attracting international companies due to its strong production infrastructure, regional export capabilities, and government-backed investment incentives aimed at accelerating growth in electric mobility and related technologies.