Thailand Trade Gap Widens in May

Thailand’s trade deficit widened to USD 5.71 billion in May 2026 from USD 1.12 billion a year earlier, marking an eighth straight monthly shortfall, though it was smaller than forecasts of a USD 6.6 billion gap, as exports rose much less than imports.

Imports jumped 35.1% year-on-year, easing from a 45.0% rise in April and slightly exceeding forecasts of 35%, supported by ongoing government stimulus measures aimed at boosting consumption and investment.

Meanwhile, exports grew 10.6% year-on-year, easing sharply from a 23.1% surge in April, which marked the strongest growth in three months, and falling short of market forecasts of 11.6%, making the softest increase since February.