# April 2026 Thai Exports Surge on Electronics Boom as Trade Deficit Hits Record

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/economics/311958-april-2026-thai-exports-surge-on-electronics-boom-as-trade-deficit-hits-record
- Published: 2026-06-06T03:19:00+07:00
- Author: Economic Intelligence Center Siam Commercial Bank

**In April 2026, Thai exports grew 23.1%, driven by electronics and US demand, while
imports surged 45%, causing a record trade deficit; SCB EIC raised the 2026 export
forecast to 7.8%.**

## Strong Growth in Thai Exports in April 2026

Thailand’s export engine is running hot—powered by electronics, AI‑related demand,
and a rebound in agriculture. But **imports are running even hotter**, especially
in energy and electronic components, pushing the trade deficit to unprecedented 
levels.

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### Key Drivers

 * **Electronics exports** jumped **64.6%**, benefiting from the global electronics
   upcycle and AI/data‑center investment trends .
 * Electronics alone contributed **13.2 percentage points** to total export growth.
 * **Exports to the US** surged **44.2%**, with electronics to the US up **93.8%**.
 * **Agricultural exports** rebounded **17.9%**, led by fruit exports (+74.3%), 
   especially durian (+109.5%) .
 * **Middle East exports** rebounded **19.3%**, but almost entirely due to a one‑
   off spike in jewelry/precious stones (+1,157%)

Thai exports surged to USD 31.6 billion in April 2026, expanding by 23.1% year-on-
year and accelerating from 18.7% the previous month. This growth exceeded expectations,
driven primarily by electronics, which grew 64.6%, benefiting from the global technology
upcycle and strong demand from key markets like the US. Agricultural exports also
rebounded with a 17.9% increase, especially fresh fruits like durian.

Exports to the US rose 44.2%, partly due to reduced tariffs and increased shipments
of electronics and other products. However, exports to the Middle East rebounded
mainly due to a sharp rise in jewelry exports.

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## Record-High Imports and Trade Deficit

Imports in April rose 45%, the highest in nearly five years, reaching USD 41.6 billion.
This increase was driven by raw materials, intermediate goods, fuel—including crude
oil prices impacted by Middle East tensions—and capital goods for technology sectors.
Imports from China and Taiwan expanded substantially as Thailand sourced key inputs
for its electronics manufacturing. Consequently, the trade deficit hit a record 
USD 10 billion for the month, with a cumulative deficit of nearly USD 19.5 billion
during January-April 2026.

## Revised Outlook for 2026 Trade Performance

SCB EIC has revised its 2026 export growth forecast upward to 7.8%, citing robust
performance in electronics and improved global trade forecasts by WTO and IMF. The
expansion in AI-related products and rising global gold demand also supports this
outlook. Meanwhile, imports are expected to rise 15.8%, fueled by strong capital
goods demand and higher fuel import costs. Despite potential risks from US tariff
measures, Thailand’s export sector remains resilient, supported by ongoing global
electronics upcycles and technology investments, especially in data centers.

[Source link ](https://www.scbeic.com/en/detail/product/10113?rand=55232)