Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand's trade deficit surged to its highest level since early 2023, driven by increased imports from China, reaching $9.8 billion, a 34% rise from last year. Simultaneously, exports to the US climbed 33% to $6.7 billion, with notable increases in computers, machinery, and steel. The Ministry of Commerce's latest data reveal a $3.4 billion deficit, compared to a $1.3 billion surplus in the previous month, indicating altered trade patterns due to US tariffs.

 

The tariff policies initiated by US President Donald Trump intended to rebalance trade have influenced manufacturing and export strategies across Asia. Thailand's expanded imports from China and exports to the US suggest potential transshipment activities, raising concerns about the origin of goods headed to the US. Barclays economists observed substantial growth in Thai exports of data processing equipment to the US and imports of computer parts from China, supporting evidence of transshipment trends.

 

This trade shift could impact Thailand’s economy significantly, affecting currency stability and monetary policy. The imports of computers and parts from China rose 35% to $559 million, while exports to the US doubled to $2 billion. Steel trade also saw substantial increases, with imports from China up 58% and exports to the US rising by 55%, complicating the ongoing tariff discussions.

 

Looking forward, concerns about sustained export deficits influencing the Thai baht and economic growth persist, especially as Thailand prepares for potential elections in March. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is navigating trade discussions with the US, striving to balance economic agreements while maintaining political relations. Despite the challenging scenario, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office sees potential positives, predicting eased pressure on the current account surplus and baht strength, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thailand's trade deficit hits a peak due to increased imports from China.
• Concerns arise over transshipment affecting US-bound exports.
• Economic implications include potential impacts on currency and growth.

 

Related Stories:

Thai exports are rebounding but huge trade deficit with China poses a threat

Thailand chips away at US trade deficit with 62% increase in chip market exports

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-11-26

 

 

 

The new solar panel tax credit won't help this. 

And this is surprising?

Trump was right again ...watchout Thailand or you're gonna get caught in the middle ...

Well, Thailand's economy is really bad . China will make it even worse. I only hope THB will be much weaker soon.

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand's expanded imports from China and exports to the US suggest potential transshipment activities, raising concerns about the origin of goods headed to the US.

All part of Thailand's security agreement with China?

Does it even get offloaded in Th, or does it stay on the same ship going to the US??

China is flooding Thailand's markets with cheap garbage and they fully expect Thailand to absorb it all. 

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand's expanded imports from China and exports to the US suggest potential transshipment activities, raising concerns about the origin of goods headed to the US

Thailand still playing the game...

Thailand  needs to protect its Industries and Manufacturers or they  are going to be eaten up . The only way to protect Key Industries and Manufacturers  is to rise import duties and create contingents on key products made in Thailand  . 

1 hour ago, Marco100 said:

Thailand  needs to protect its Industries and Manufacturers or they  are going to be eaten up . The only way to protect Key Industries and Manufacturers  is to rise import duties and create contingents on key products made in Thailand  . 

Close down the 20 baht shops.

On 11/26/2025 at 5:10 PM, snoop1130 said:

Thailand's expanded imports from China and exports to the US suggest potential transshipment activities, raising concerns about the origin of goods headed to

 

On 11/26/2025 at 5:10 PM, snoop1130 said:

Simultaneously, exports to the US climbed 33% to $6.7 billion, with notable increases in computers, machinery, and steel

Since when has Thailand been making enough steel to export it, we have a steel mill   near here, an electric arc furnace, using brought in scrap steel, plus another mill in the next province, making mainly rolls of steel rod and rebo bar, they can be that many about the country, a lot will be used in country.

Againe what machinery does Thailand make for export, you can see why the USA is suggesting potential transshipments of goods.

I now plan to buy MOSTLY China-produced products.

 

The Japanese consumer products are not to my liking, anymore, due to the fact that, seemingly, Japan has given up on production of these.

 

So, China is now the Go-To source for consumer products, and many other products, of higher-quality.

 

This same thing has happened in the past, when Japan began producing very high-quality products.

 

Now, the curve has continued, in a downward spiral, for Japanese manufactured goods, at the consumer level.

These days, it is China that rules.

 

And, let us all adjust our buying habits, and allegiance, to select China, when thinking of premium products.

 

I have learned my lesson.

And, Japanese goods are not on my purchasing horizon.

 

This is only a result of the natural Theory of Evolution, as first described by Darwin, and others.

 

 

 

14 hours ago, flaming dragon said:

The new solar panel tax credit won't help this. 

maybe it will, do they import coal for power ? if so it will cut that import, as well as help clean the air slowly by using less coal i.e better health outcomes. People in Australia who get solar often get ecars and charge them for free off solar, so that helps with clearer air and less oil imports.  Anyone who has watched the surge in China would have seen that.

Let's put massive tariffs on everything because then the Thai consumer wins. Simple, right?

All those source countries paying tariffs to Thailand - Thailand could probably give all its citizens $2,000 thanks to the tariffs other countries will be paying. 

I am pretty sure that's how simple it is - some guy in America told me. Right?

Tough luck. If you try to fight this they will simply change the regime in charge. 

 

Now they're building a bullet rail system into Thailand - that will make it easier to floor the market with more cheap crap

7 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

Let's put massive tariffs on everything because then the Thai consumer wins. Simple, right?

All those source countries paying tariffs to Thailand - Thailand could probably give all its citizens $2,000 thanks to the tariffs other countries will be paying. 

I am pretty sure that's how simple it is - some guy in America told me. Right?

Amazing how many Americans believe him and lots of the other BS he spouts out.  

14 hours ago, Marco100 said:

Thailand  needs to protect its Industries and Manufacturers or they  are going to be eaten up . The only way to protect Key Industries and Manufacturers  is to rise import duties and create contingents on key products made in Thailand  . 

You forget, everything in Thailand is for sale.

 

At the end of the day, most Thais are only looking out for themselves, and really do not care for others.  That is why corruption is everywhere, from the smallest remote village all the way to Bangkok.  Workers cheat on their employers (government and private sector) to personally get ahead.  Most government officials are "for sale; the "sale" may not involve money, but it delivers some "benefit".

 

Why do you think there are so many illegal workers in Thailand, so many illegal business?

 

Prostitution is illegal here, but so open; when the police walk down Walking Street in Pattaya and fail to see any prostitution, is an example of what happens in the rest of the country in all industries - not illegal activity, although it is right in front of you.

On 11/27/2025 at 7:11 AM, flaming dragon said:

The new solar panel tax credit won't help this. 

Why is it needed? Maybe like the USA the credits will make installers rich and in the end consumers pay more.  Funny reading about how pleased they are with their 2-3 million baht systems because the government paid for a portion.  The system would cost 300k to do here but whatever.  Government needs to promote but ditch the incentives!

 

I have  9kW of solar panels and 13 kW of storage that cost 135k installed.  It would cost 115k today!  Government isn't needed with the exception of promoting non-financially. 

17 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

You forget, everything in Thailand is for sale.

 

At the end of the day, most Thais are only looking out for themselves, and really do not care for others.  That is why corruption is everywhere, from the smallest remote village all the way to Bangkok.  Workers cheat on their employers (government and private sector) to personally get ahead.  Most government officials are "for sale; the "sale" may not involve money, but it delivers some "benefit".

 

Why do you think there are so many illegal workers in Thailand, so many illegal business?

 

Prostitution is illegal here, but so open; when the police walk down Walking Street in Pattaya and fail to see any prostitution, is an example of what happens in the rest of the country in all industries - not illegal activity, although it is right in front of you.

You are beyond hope. Thankfully many expats here aren't complete hosers like some.  You the man dude! Your superior intellect is blatantly obvious to all - congrats!