Thailand’s exports rose 24.4% year-on-year in January, marking the fastest growth since late 2021, driven by a surge in outbound electronic products linked to artificial intelligence and data centres. Imports climbed 29.4% over the same period, also reaching a four-year high, according to Commerce Ministry data released on Monday 23 February. Both figures exceeded even the most optimistic estimates in a Bloomberg survey of economists.
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The sharp increase in trade comes as Thailand seeks a trade agreement with the United States. Stronger inbound demand for raw materials and machinery also contributed to the rise in imports.
Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office at the Commerce Ministry, said the export growth reflected an “upcycle” in global demand for electronics tied to artificial intelligence and data centres. He rejected suggestions that the gains were due to transshipments of Chinese goods to the US via Thailand.
The ministry confirmed that Thailand recorded a $7.2 billion trade deficit with China in January, while posting a $4.8 billion trade surplus with the United States. Officials said Thailand would press ahead with trade talks with Washington after the Supreme Court struck down most of President Donald Trump’s global tariffs. Mr Trump has since proposed a new 15% levy to maintain pressure on trading partners.
“We need to continue talking to them, to show that we are cooperating,” Mr Nantapong told reporters at a briefing. “We are running a high trade surplus against the US, so they could come up with any measures later.”
The data provide positive momentum for Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, whose Bhumjaithai Party secured a coalition deal this month following a stronger-than-expected election result. Mr Anutin has pledged to accelerate economic growth, which has lagged behind other major Southeast Asian economies.
The Bangkokpost reported that the trade negotiations with the US are expected to remain a priority amid uncertainty over potential new tariffs. The sustainability of export growth will likely depend on continued global demand for AI-related electronics and investment in data centres. Import growth may also signal ongoing industrial expansion if demand for raw materials and machinery remains firm.
Key Takeaways
• Thai exports jumped 24.4% year-on-year in January, the fastest pace since late 2021.
• Imports surged 29.4%, reflecting strong demand for raw materials and machinery.
• Thailand recorded a $7.2bn trade deficit with China and a $4.8bn surplus with the US.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 24 Feb 2026
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