Exports reach US$ 13.72 billion in January, projected to rise 17 per cent in first quarter. For the third consecutive month, all important sectors gain. Trade balance hits US$ 516 million.

Bangkok (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Thai exports rose 30.8 per cent to US$ 13.72 billion in January compared to the same month last year, Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai said on Friday. Overall exports in the first quarter of the year should expand 17 per cent.

Thailand’s political divisions and the global economic crisis appear to have spared the South-East Asian nation. For the third consecutive month, exports in all important sectors have been on the rising trend, Porntiva said.

Agricultural exports, including rice, rubber, cassava, sugar, and foods expanded 46.2 percent year on year, she said. In line with agriculture, the exports of manufacturing products, like electronic appliances, grew 27.8 per cent year on year.

Growth was especially strong in new markets: plus 141.7 per cent for India, 96 per cent for Taiwan and 94.2 per cent for China.

Imports in January stood at US$ 13.21, an increase of 44.8 per cent compared to the same period last year. This gave Thailand a trade surplus of US$ 516 million in January 2010.

The Commerce Ministry estimates that exports will expand 14 per cent, for a total of US$ 173 billion.

 

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