Weaker baht and calmer Mideast upgrades forecast for 2026
Exports are projected to rise by 8-10% this year, says the Thai National Shippers' Council (TNSC), adding that a favourable exchange rate of 34 baht per US dollar could help drive export growth firmly into double digits.The projection was upgraded from a January forecast of 2-4% growth.
In the first five months of 2026, exports totalled US$162 billion, rising 17% year-on-year. Imports increased 35.6% to $187 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $25.2 billion, according to the TNSC.
Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, chairman of the TNSC, said an improved outlook for the Middle East war and sustained demand from major trading partners could bolster exports in the second half of this year.
The council expects exports of electronics goods and electrical appliances to continue to post robust growth, with air conditioners and refrigerators projected to expand driven by demand from Europe and the US.
