23.02.202603:30:00UTC+00Thailand’s Trade Gap Widens Sharply in January as Customs Data Show Deeper Deficit

Thailand’s customs-based trade deficit widened markedly in January 2026, underscoring renewed external sector pressures at the start of the year. According to the latest data released on 23 February 2026, the trade balance swung deeper into negative territory, with the deficit expanding to USD -3.300 billion.

This compares with a relatively modest shortfall of USD -0.350 billion recorded in December 2025, highlighting a sharp month-on-month deterioration in Thailand’s external position. While the underlying drivers—such as export performance and import demand—were not detailed in the latest release, the size of the shift suggests a significant change in trade flows between the two periods. Investors and policymakers will be watching upcoming data closely for signs of whether January’s wider gap reflects a temporary adjustment or the start of a more persistent trend in Thailand’s trade balance.