BANGKOK (TNA) Thai exports in November grew 17.21 per cent for the first time this year with an export value of US$13.8 billion, Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai said on Monday.
Increased exports of agricultural and agro-industrial products such as cassava, frozen and processed shrimp and sugar rose 28.6 per cent while exports of industrial goods like electronic appliances, jewellery, cosmetics turned positive to grow 13.2 per cent for the first time this year, Mrs Porntiva said.
Exports to key markets rose 5.9 per cent and new markets including China, Australia, Hong Kong, Myanmar, India and Taiwan expanded 29.9 per cent.
Exports in the first eleven months were valued at US$137 billion, a drop of 17 per cent year-on-year.
Imports in November were valued at $12.7 billion, a decline of 2.2 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Increased imports included fuel by 0.7 per cent, consumer goods by 18.8 per cent, and vehicles and transportation equipment by 29.9 per cent.
Imports in the first 11 months were recorded at $119 billion in value, a drop of 28.9 per cent.
Trade surplus in November was recorded at $1.058 billion and $18.57 billion in the first 11 months of 2009.
The commerce ministry forecast that exports in December will exceed $13 billion, but exports for the entire year are expected to contract by 13-15 per cent, or $150 billion. Thailand is forecast to enjoy a trade surplus of $18.57 billion this year.
Exports in the first three quarters shrank but will turn around to grow seven per cent in the fourth quarter.
The ministry also predicted that exports in 2010 will expand around 10-15 per cent, worth almost $170 billion.
