Thailand: Merchandise trade surplus increases in September
Latest reading: In September, the trade balance was USD +3.6 billion, following a USD +0.8 billion figure in the previous month. Over the last 12 months, the trade balance summed to USD +26.9 billion.
Exports were up 19.1% in year-on-year terms in September, marking the highest monthly reading in more than three years, after 5.6% growth in the previous month. The sharp rise in exports, far above market expectations, was driven by strong U.S. demand amid greater clarity on U.S. tariffs.
Imports were up 17.9% in annual terms in September, coming on the back of 14.8% growth in the previous month. September’s figure for imports marked the fastest growth since May, supported by stronger domestic consumption due to government measures to boost economic activity.