Thailand’s trade deficit widened to USD 2.48 billion in August 2026 from USD 1.96 billion a year earlier, extending the country’s run of monthly shortfalls to 11. The deficit was below the USD 3.9 billion market forecast as imports rose 25.1% year on year, slowing from July’s 36.7% increase but exceeding export growth. Import growth was below the 33% expectation and the weakest since December 2025, suggesting softer domestic demand and investment activity despite government stimulus measures aimed at boosting consumption and investment. Exports accelerated to 24.3% from 21.6% in July, the fastest increase since January, but slightly missed the 24.9% forecast. In July, the Commerce Ministry maintained its forecast for export growth of 8% this year, citing easing global tensions and strong tech demand.