Hard Numbers: Construction crane kills dozens in Thailand, Hungary’s Orbán in more trouble, China posts record trade surplus, French farmers protest trade deal

32: A construction crane fell onto a moving train in northeast Thailand on Wednesday morning, killing at least 32 people and injuring another 66. The train was mostly carrying students and workers. The incident occurred after the crane accidentally dropped a concrete wedge onto the train, causing it to derail.

12: Hungary’s opposition Tisza party expanded its lead over Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz to 12 points, according to a Median poll, up from 10 points in a corresponding November survey. Orbán’s grip on power looks increasingly slippery ahead of the April election, as Peter Magyar’s opposition group continues to build momentum.

$1.2 trillion: China posted a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025, driven by booming exports to non-US markets after firms diversified away from the United States. Strong competitiveness and excess capacity offset weak domestic demand, but risk heightening trade tensions as China leans on exports to sustain growth.

350: French farmers drove 350 tractors to Parliament in Paris on Tuesday to protest the European Union’s trade deal with South America that they worry will jeopardize their livelihoods. The deal, expected to be signed this weekend, would create the largest free trade zone in the world.