China · Thai Examiner
Widening Chinese trade gap cannot be ignored as it distorts economic data of an underlying GDP struggle
Compiled by KHAO Editorial — aggregated from 1 outlet. See llms.txt for citation guidance.
◌ Single Source
Thai-Chinese businesses raise the alarm as Thailand’s China trade deficit hits US$55.13bn, exceeding its global shortfall. Imports soar 38% while record exports and massive data-centre investments conceal weak underlying growth.
Key facts
- Thai-Chinese businesses raise the alarm as Thailand’s China trade deficit hits US$55.13bn, exceeding its global shortfall
- Commerce Ministry says production-related imports dominate Thailand’s US$35.35 billion trade deficit
- Thailand’s trade deficit with China has surged to US$55.13 billion, alarming even the Thai-Chinese business community
- During January-July, Thailand’s imports from China surged 38.49% from a year earlier
- As a result, the bilateral trade deficit reached US$55.13 billion
- That represented a 59.31% increase from the previous year
Summary
Thailand’s trade deficit with China has surged to US$55.13 billion, alarming even the Thai-Chinese business community. Imports from China jumped 38.49%, while the bilateral deficit widened 59.31% in seven months. Yet record exports and giant data-centre investments are masking a far weaker domestic economy. The government now wants Chinese-backed factories to use more Thai materials, components and workers as growth slips towards 1.5% to 2%.
Thailand’s surging trade deficit with China is now drawing concern from the country’s own Thai-Chinese business community. The imbalance widened sharply during the first seven months of 2026. Notably, the warning comes while Thailand reports huge foreign investment and record exports. Yet the domestic economy remains weak.