China · Thai Enquirer
Thailand Posts Record $10 Billion Trade Deficit as Imports Surge in April
Compiled by KHAO Editorial — aggregated from 1 outlet. See llms.txt for citation guidance.
◌ Single Source
Thailand posted a record trade deficit of more than US$10 billion in April as imports surged on higher fuel and electronics-related purchases, despite continued strong export growth, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) said on Monday.
Key facts
- Nantapong Chiralerspong, director of TPSO, said the country recorded a trade deficit of US$10.02 billion in April 2026 after imports jumped 45% year-on-year to US$41.6 billion, the highest level in 56 months.
- During the first four months of 2026, exports totaled US$127.75 billion, up 18.9% year-on-year, while imports rose 35.7% to US$147.25 billion, resulting in a cumulative trade deficit of US$19.5 billion, or more than 630 billion baht.
- The agency outlined three export scenarios for 2026: a best-case scenario with export growth of 8% to US$366.8 billion, a base-case forecast of 3% growth to US$349.8 billion, and a worst-case scenario of a 3% contraction to US$329.4
- Exports rose 23.1% from a year earlier to US$31.58 billion, marking the 22nd straight month of growth
- Exports to China rose 21.9% in April to US$4.34 billion, but Thailand recorded a trade deficit with China of US$7.68 billion during the month
- Meanwhile, exports to the United States climbed 44.2% in April to US$7.27 billion, generating a trade surplus of US$4.65 billion
Summary
Nantapong Chiralerspong, director of TPSO, said the country recorded a trade deficit of US$10.02 billion in April 2026 after imports jumped 45% year-on-year to US$41.6 billion, the highest level in 56 months.
Exports rose 23.1% from a year earlier to US$31.58 billion, marking the 22nd straight month of growth. Excluding oil-related goods, gold and military products, export growth stood at 25.7%.