This article was written by

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of CRDF either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

In February 2026, Thai exports grew 9.9%YOY, driven by electronics and the US market, while imports surged 31.8%YOY. Middle East conflict and US tariffs pose risks, potentially worsening Thailand’s trade deficit.

Thai Export Performance in February 2026

Thai exports in February 2026 slowed to a growth of 9.9% year-on-year (YOY), with a total export value of USD 29,439.7 million. This was a significant deceleration from January’s 24.4% YOY surge and below forecasts. The export slowdown was coupled with a sharp 11.1% month-on-month seasonal adjustment contraction. Electronics led exports, expanding over 56.8% YOY due to global demand and investment in related industries, especially to the US, where exports rose 40.5%. Gold exports grew moderately by 18.2%, affected by falling global prices.

Import Trends and Trade Balance

Imports surged to USD 32,273.3 million, the highest in 50 months, rising 31.8% YOY, driven mainly by raw materials, intermediate goods, and capital goods like gold and electrical machinery. This import growth intensified the trade deficit, which reached USD -2,833.6 million in February, with a cumulative deficit of USD -6,137.1 million for the first two months of 2026.

Outlook and External Challenges

Thailand’s trade outlook faces challenges from the Middle East conflict and rising US import tariffs. The Middle East conflict, though limited in direct impact, may affect key export sectors and energy costs, worsening the trade deficit. Meanwhile, ongoing US tariff investigations under Section 301 pose export risks. The Ministry of Commerce projects 2026 export growth scenarios ranging from -3% to +1.1% YOY. SCB EIC will update economic forecasts by March’s end amid these evolving uncertainties.

Source link

Other People are Reading

Continue Reading

After the market sell-off, fund managers are broadly aligned on one message: share valuations are no longer stretched, but it’s still not the time to make aggressive bets. The decline in equities has narrowed India’s valuation premium, removed excess froth in overheated segments and brought large-cap stocks back to more comfortable levels, according to chief investment officers of six mutual funds. They remain sceptical about the prospects of mid-cap and small-cap stocks.

Most managers are advising investors to stay invested but stagger their entries, using systematic or phased allocation strategies rather than chasing a quick rebound.