Exports surge in February for 4th consecutive month

BANGKOK, March 20 (TNA) – Thailand’s exports in February continued to grow considerably for the fourth consecutive month, boosted by an increased shipment of agricultural and industrial products of all categories, according to Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai.

Mrs Porntiva revealed that the exports in February totalled US$14.4 billion in value, up 23.1 per cent from $11.69 billion the same month last year.

In terms of the baht, exports totaled Bt470.72 billion, up 16 per cent from the same month the year before.

The exports to key destinations including the United States, Europe and ASEAN expanded 38.8 per cent and those to emerging markets such as China, India, and South Asia grew 20, 75, and 90 per cent due to the global economic recovery.

However, the stronger baht has impacted exports. So, it is necessary to report the situation to the cabinet so that the prime minister would acknowledge it and instruct the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand to closely supervise it.

Initially, she said, the Ministry of Commerce had already advised exporters to hedge against the currency exchange rate risk.

Mrs Porntiva said imports in February totalled $13.96 billion in value, up 71.2 per cent year on year.
In terms of baht, the imports totaled Bt461.66 billion, up 61.4 per cent.

Thailand’s imports of raw materials, semi-raw materials, vehicles and transport equipment doubled, resulting in a trade surplus of $440 million.

Classified by group, exports of precious stones and ornaments dropped by 75.9 per cent while imports surged by 903.4 per cent.

She said operators had imported very large amounts of gold and silver because of the stronger baht.

The minister added she had assigned commercial counselors to explain to operators overseas that political rallies in Thailand had not turned violent as many feared. (TNA)