Thailand recorded an 18.7% year-on-year growth in customs-cleared exports for March, surpassing market estimations, according to the Commerce Ministry. The latest figures came in well above the anticipated 9.75% rise projected in a Reuters survey and followed February’s 9.9% gain.
Imports climbed by 35.7% during the same period, resulting in a monthly trade deficit of $3.34 billion. This deficit exceeded the $1.12 billion shortfall forecast by Reuters.
Over the first quarter of 2026, Thailand’s export activity expanded by 17.6% compared to the same period a year earlier. U.S.-bound shipments saw a significant jump of 41.9% in March, making the United States Thailand’s top market. In contrast, exports to China saw a marginal decrease of 1.1%, while sales to the Middle East dropped sharply by 57.1%.
Officials from the Commerce Ministry indicated that export growth is expected to continue into April and also this year.
