China Surge Blows Out Thai Trade Deficit to Widest Since 2023

A surge in imports from China pushed Thailand’s trade balance to the biggest deficit since early 2023, a sign of how President Donald Trump’s tariffs have warped trade patterns in Asia.

Inbound shipments of capital goods and raw materials from China shot up 34% to $9.8 billion, the highest level this year. Meanwhile, exports to the US rose 33% to $6.7 billion, driven by computers and parts, machinery and steel, according to data Tuesday from the Commerce Ministry.