The trade deficit hit an all-time high in April of about US$10 billion, as imports surged 45% year-on-year to $41.6 billion, driven by shipments of raw materials, semi-finished products, capital goods, and energy, according to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) under the Ministry of Commerce.Exports in April surged 23.1% to $31.5 billion, while imports grew 45% to $41.6 billion, both marking all-time highs. This resulted in a trade deficit of $10.02 billion, said Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the TPSO.
During the first four months of 2026, exports jumped 19% to $127.7 billion while imports increased about 36% to $147.2 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $19.5 billion.
In April, Thailand posted a trade deficit of $7.68 billion with China, and a deficit of $29.2 billion in the first four months. The deficit was mainly driven by imports of electrical machinery and components, and machinery.
Meanwhile, the country recorded a trade surplus with the United States of around $4.65 billion in April and $21.5 billion in the first four months of the year.
In April, imports of raw materials and semi-finished products totalled $17.6 billion, up 39% year-on-year. Key imports included electrical circuit boards and transistors.
