# Thailand’s exports soared 24.4% in January 2026, marking the highest trade growth in four years

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/economics/289065-thailands-exports-soared-24-4-in-january-2026-marking-the-highest-trade-growth-in-four-years
- Published: 2026-02-25T09:56:00+07:00
- Author: Daniel Lorenzzo

Thailand recorded its strongest trade growth in four years in January 2026, with
exports jumping 24.4% and imports rising 29.4%, far exceeding economic forecasts.

This surge was primarily driven by a global “upcycle” in demand for electronics 
related to artificial intelligence and data centers, providing a significant boost
to the Thai economy as the government navigates complex trade relations with the
United States and China.

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**Key Points**

 * Thai exports and imports reached their highest growth rates since late 2021, 
   fueled by outbound electronic shipments and high demand for raw materials and
   machinery.
 * Trade officials attributed the export spike to genuine demand for AI-related 
   technology rather than the transshipment of Chinese goods through Thailand to
   avoid tariffs.
 * Thailand maintained a $4.8 billion trade surplus with the United States in January,
   while running a $7.2 billion trade deficit with China.
 * The Commerce Ministry is prioritizing continued trade talks with the U.S. to 
   maintain cooperation and mitigate the impact of proposed 15% global tariffs.
 * The strong trade data provides political momentum for Caretaker Prime Minister
   Anutin Charnvirakul’s coalition government, which has pledged to improve Thailand’s
   economic growth relative to its regional competitors.

The Ministry of Commerce clarified that the export spike is a result of genuine 
demand rather than the transshipment of Chinese goods. This economic boost arrives
as the caretaker government looks to accelerate Thailand’s growth to remain competitive
with other major Southeast Asian economies.

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What specific technological trends contributed to the 24.4% jump in Thai exports
in January 2026?

the specific technological trends and factors that contributed to the 24.4% jump
in Thai exports are:

 * **Artificial Intelligence (AI):** The surge was primarily driven by high global
   demand for electronic components specifically related to AI technology.
 * **Data Centers:** There was a significant “upcycle” in demand for electronics
   tied to the development and operation of data centers.
 * **Electronics Sector Upcycle:** The broader electronics industry experienced 
   a growth phase, leading to increased outbound shipments of electronic products.
 * **Inbound Demand for Infrastructure:** While exports rose, the document also 
   notes stronger demand for raw materials and machinery, which supported the overall
   trade activity linked to these sectors.

The Ministry of Commerce, specifically Nantapong Chiralerspong (Director-General
of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office), clarified that this spike was a result
of **genuine demand** for these specific technologies rather than the transshipment
of Chinese goods through Thailand to avoid tariffs