Thai Exports in January Surge 31%

In January, exports of agricultural and agro-industrial products such as rice, natural rubber, cassava, sugar and food products were up 46.2 per cent while rising exports of industrial goods like electronic appliances, vehicles grew 27.8 per cent. Thailand's main export markets have continued expanding 28.4 per cent while the new markets increased by 33.2 per cent. High growth of the new markets was recorded at 141.7 per cent for India, 96 per cent for Taiwan and 94.2 per cent for China, Minister of Commerce, Mrs Pornthiva said.

Rising imports included fuel by 59.6 per cent, consumer goods by 22.9 per cent, and vehicles and transportation equipment by 47.3 per cent. Thailand enjoyed a trade surplus of $516 million in January 2010.The 2010 entire export is projected to expand 14 per cent, worth $173 billion due to continuing global economic recovery and the kicking in of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement, the commerce minister said.

Due to both factors, Thai exports in February and March are expected to turn positive with the further value of $13 billion. Even though the baht value is forecast to stand at Bt33 per dollar, exports in the frst quarter may expand 17 per cent, to $39-40 billion.

Speaking about Vietnam’s dong devaluation, she said if the devaluation happens again, it will not be a sharp devaluation. Mrs Pornthiva believes that Thai export products can compete with Vietnamese goods.