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Business – “Thai Exports at Risk in 2026: US Increases Scrutiny on ‘Circumvention’ and Strategic Goods”

Article Summary:

Current Performance: A Fragile Electronics Boom

In late 2025, Thailand experienced a notable surge in exports, particularly to the US, with a nearly 30% growth. This increase was primarily driven by a soaring demand for electronics, essential for powering American data centres.

Exports of portable computers skyrocketed nearly 14-fold, while network equipment and computer components more than doubled. Despite this robust performance, the Thai Development Research Institute (TDRI) warns that this growth is fragile. The categories experiencing high demand are at risk of being affected by upcoming US tax regulations targeting specific products.

The Decline of Targeted Sectors

While the electronics sector thrives, other industries, such as solar panels, are struggling due to past US protectionism measures. Anti-dumping duties of up to 972% have severely impacted solar panel exports from Thailand, highlighting the challenges posed by changing trade policies.

Overall, the current landscape is marked by opportunities in electronics, overshadowed by risks in other sectors amid shifting global trade dynamics.

Original Article:

Thai Exports Face Double-Threat in 2026 as US Tightens Grip on ‘Circumvention’ and Strategic Goods

 

 

Current Performance: A Fragile Electronics Boom

These warnings come on the heels of a surprisingly strong performance in late 2025.

 

Between August and November, Thai exports to the US grew by nearly 30%, largely buoyed by a massive demand for electronics to power American data centres.

 

Specifically, exports of portable computers surged nearly 14-fold, while network equipment and computer components more than doubled.

 

However, the TDRI notes that this growth is precarious, as these very categories are the most likely to be pulled into the next round of “product-specific” US tax brackets.

 

 

The Decline of Targeted Sectors

While electronics are currently thriving, other sectors are already feeling the pinch of prior US protectionism:

 

Solar Panels: Following anti-dumping duties of up to 972%,…

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