Economics
Oil prices pushed Thai exports up to 8.8% in January
The value of Thai exports in January expanded by 8.8% due to exports of oil-related products rising with crude oil price, which jumped by 78%YOY in January.
The value of Thai exports in January expanded by 8.8% due to exports of oil-related products rising with crude oil price, which jumped by 78%YOY in January.
Exports of manufacturing goods, in particular computers, computer parts and electronic
circuits strengthened following purchases from major export markets like the US and China.
The value of imports expanded for the 5th consecutive month at 5.2%YOY.
EIC expects Thai exports in 2017 to grow by 1.5%YOY. Although global economies are improving, Thai manufacturing exports will likely expand at slower pace given fragile recovery of main trading partners that are weighed down by global risk factors like US trade protectionism against China and elections in Europe, exports of electronics and electrical appliances becoming outdated and shifts in production bases. Nevertheless, recovering oil prices will likely support improvements in exports of oil-related commodities going forward.
EIC assesses that the value of imports in 2017 will grow by 3.5%YOY as imports of fuel-related products increase with oil prices and demand for consumer goods improves on the back of stronger household consumption.
However, investment slowdowns in the manufacturing sector expected this year will put downward pressure on imports going forward.
Author: Pimnipa Booasang
Economics
Thai fruit exports to FTA markets up 107 percent
China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Australia and Chile are top importers of Thai fruits, especially fresh durian, mangosteen, longan and mango. Thai exporters are able to benefit from FTA privileges.
BANGKOK (NNT) – Thailand’s fruit exports continue to increase, despite the sluggish global economy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with key trade partners being countries that have free trade agreements (FTAs) with the kingdom.
Economics
The Future of Asia: greener but with a public and private debt hangover
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a perfect storm, destroying jobs, worsening poverty and inequality, and creating a public and private debt problem—especially for countries and firms already in fragile financial health beforehand
The Sydney Opera resumed live performances and the city of Melbourne recently hosted the Australian Open tennis tournament with fans (mostly) in attendance.
BANGKOK (NNT) – The government’s 50:50 co-pay campaign expiring on 31st March may not be getting an immediate campaign extension. The Minister of Finance says campaign evaluation is needed to improve future campaigns.
The Minister of Finance Arkhom Termpittayapaisith today announced the government may not be able to reach a conclusion on the extension of the 50:50 co-pay campaign in time for the current 31st March campaign end date, as evaluations are needed to better improve the campaign.
Originally introduced last year, the 50:50 campaign is a financial aid campaign for people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in which the government subsidizes up to half the price of purchases at participating stores, with a daily cap on the subsidy amount of 150 baht, and a 3,500 baht per person subsidy limit over the entire campaign.
The campaign has already been extended once, with the current end date set for 31st March.
The Finance Minister said that payout campaigns for the general public are still valid in this period, allowing time for the 50:50 campaign to be assessed, and to address reports of fraud at some participating stores.
The Fiscal Police Office Director General and the Ministry of Finance Spokesperson Kulaya Tantitemit, said today that a bigger quota could be offered in Phase 3 of the 50:50 campaign beyond the 15 million people enrolled in the first two phases, while existing participants will need to confirm their identity if they want to participate in Phase 3, without the need to fill out the registration form.
Mrs Kulaya said the campaign will still be funded by emergency loan credit allocated for pandemic compensation, which still has about 200 billion baht available as of today.
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