Thai Enquirer
Thailand’s Trade Deficit Narrows in May as Exports Extend Growth Streak
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Thailand’s trade deficit narrowed in May from a record high the previous month as exports continued to grow, supported by strong demand for technology products despite ongoing uncertainty over U.S. trade measures.
Key facts
- For the first five months of 2026, exports rose 17% to $162.09 billion, while imports climbed 35.6% to $187.30 billion, resulting in a cumulative trade deficit of $25.21 billion.
- The Commerce Ministry said on Thursday that Thailand recorded a trade deficit of US$5.71 billion in May, down from the record $10.02 billion deficit in April
- Industrial exports expanded 14.4% from a year earlier, marking their 26th consecutive month of growth
- Exports of computers and components rose 26.8%, telephones and components surged 129.9%, transmission equipment jumped 188.2%, copper products increased 53.1%, and plastic pellets rose 17.4%
- Exports of automobiles and parts, however, fell 15.2%.
- Agricultural and agro-industrial exports contracted 7.2%, their first decline in three months
Summary
The Commerce Ministry said on Thursday that Thailand recorded a trade deficit of US$5.71 billion in May, down from the record $10.02 billion deficit in April. Imports rose 35.1% year-on-year to $40.04 billion, while exports increased 10.6% to $34.33 billion, extending their growth streak to 23 consecutive months.
For the first five months of 2026, exports rose 17% to $162.09 billion, while imports climbed 35.6% to $187.30 billion, resulting in a cumulative trade deficit of $25.21 billion.