Bangkok: Thai exports in the first half of 2026 grew by 17.6%, reaching a value of nearly 200 billion dollars, continuing to be higher than the previous year. Technology and electronics products were the main drivers, with the US market growing by 41.1%.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed the situation of Thailand's exports during the first six months of 2026, stating that exports continued to grow well and were higher than the same period last year. This is consistent with what Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul recently stated regarding the direction of Thai exports. From January to June 2026, Thailand's total export value was US$196,741.8 million, an increase of 17.6% compared to the same period last year. Specifically in June 2026, exports totaled US$34,655.9 million, an increase of 20.8%.
The deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office stated that the figures reflect the continued momentum from the foreign trade sector. In the first quarter of 2026, exports were valued at US$96,169.9 million, an increase of 17.4%, and in the second quarter, they were valued at US$100,572.0 million, an increase of 17.7%, representing consistently high growth throughout the first half of the year.
For products contributing significantly to export growth in the first six months, technology and electronics products were a key driver. Computers, equipment, and components accounted for US$18,781.93 million in export value, a 47.9% increase and contributing 5.4 percentage points to overall export growth. This was followed by fax machines, telephones, equipment, and components, valued at US$3,547.37 million, a 169.0% increase, as well as machinery and components, agricultural machinery, transformers, and copper and copper products, which continued to show growth.
Furthermore, Thai agricultural products and food played a significant role in exports. Fresh, chilled, frozen, and dried fruits were valued at US$4,024.39 million, an increase of 16.3%, while gems and jewelry were valued at US$14,166.67 million, an increase of 19.8%.
In terms of key export markets, the United States remained Thailand's number one export market during the first six months of 2026, with a value of US$47,144.6 million, an increase of 41.1%, accounting for 24.0% of total exports. This was followed by China, with a value of US$22,645.1 million, an increase of 8.1%; Japan, with US$13,186.1 million, an increase of 12.9%; India, with US$9,152.1 million, an increase of 10.0%; and Singapore, with US$9,132.7 million, a significant increase of 74.0%.
The deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office stated that the overall picture in the first half of the year shows positive signs for the Thai economy, particularly the expansion of technology products, electronics, and goods linked to the digital economy. This demonstrates Thailand's opportunities to play a role in the supply chains of modern industries. At the same time, several key export markets also expanded simultaneously, including the United States, China, Japan, India, and Singapore.
'The figures for the first half of the year clearly reflect that Thailand's exports this year have performed better than last year, expanding by 17.6% in the first six months, and growing by 20.8% in June alone. The government will continue to maintain this momentum by opening new markets, supporting existing markets, and encouraging Thai entrepreneurs to take advantage of changes in the global supply chain, so that export revenues can return to businesses, SMEs, and the Thai economy as much as possible,' said the Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office.
During the first six months of 2026, Thailand's total trade value reached US$425,227.7 million, an increase of 27.8%. Imports totaled US$228,485.9 million, an increase of 38.0%, resulting in a trade deficit of US$31,744.0 million. The government will closely monitor the global economic and trade situation to maintain the competitiveness of Thai products and support continued export growth in the second half of the year.