Thai exports rise 21.6% in July, beating forecast
The value of Thai exports rose 21.6% in July from a year earlier, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday, higher than analysts’ expectations.
Thailand's exports surged by 21.6% in July, exceeding expectations, according to the Ministry of Commerce. This growth outpaced analysts' predictions, which estimated a 17.75% increase. The previous month's exports jumped 20.8%. Imports increased by a substantial 36.7% in July, leading to a trade deficit of $3.61 billion, bringing the total seven-month deficit to a record $34.35 billion.
This import growth has been consistent throughout the year, raising concerns that Thailand may be used for transshipping goods to the US from third countries, primarily China. The ministry anticipates exports to grow by more than 11% in 2026, up from a previous forecast of 8%. Technology and AI-related products are driving demand for Thai products.
Exports grew by 18.2% year-on-year in the first seven months of 2026. All year long, Thailand's outbound shipments increased by 12.9%. Shipments to the United States, Thailand's biggest market, rose 45.3% in July, while shipments to China grew by 15.2%. Meanwhile, Thailand's manufacturing production index rose 0.46% in July compared to a year earlier, surpassing analysts' forecasts.
The ministry had predicted a 0.25% increase for this year, compared to a previous forecast of 1.0% to 2.0%.
Written by urgent.news from Bangkok Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Thai July exports rise 21.6% y/y, beating forecast as factory output rises brecorder.com
- Thai exports rise 21.6% in July, beating forecast bangkokpost.com
