Thailand Business News – US Trade Growth Increases as China’s Trade Deficit Expands

In 2025, US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs aimed at reducing America’s trade deficit. However, key Southeast Asian manufacturing hubs—Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam—unexpectedly expanded their trade surpluses with the United States.

Malaysia’s trade surplus with the US surged by 45 percent to reach US$23.2 billion, fueled by robust exports in electronics, machinery, and processed food. This growth was supported by tariff cuts and exemptions on essential items. Meanwhile, Vietnam posted the largest regional surplus, hitting a record US$133.8 billion, a 28 percent increase. Thailand’s US trade surplus also grew, climbing 44 percent to US$51.3 billion, primarily driven by strong electronics exports.

This trade expansion occurred despite initial tariff impacts, showcasing the effectiveness of negotiations, where countries like Malaysia secured reduced rates and exemptions. Additionally, these nations committed to not imposing export bans on critical goods, further bolstering their positions in the US market.