Thailand’s exports to the European Union (EU) grew 24 per cent in the first quarter of this year, amounting to US$5.6 billion, according to the Department of Export Promotion (DEP).

DEP Director-General Nantawan Sakultanak said the growth was due to the improved EU economic situation, with greater exports despite concerns about financial markets and investment in some member countries.

The main Thai goods exported to Europe from January through March were computers and spare parts at US$668 million, an 11-per cent decrease in value, followed by gems and jewellery at US$433 million, a 26-per cent growth, and rubber at US$431 million, a 132-per cent rise in value, respectively.

Ms Nantawan said Thailand aims to increase its exports to EU markets in 15 member countries by at least 10 per cent, or about US$20 billion in value.

The Department of Export Promotion has been monitoring tariff and non-tariff measures applied by the European Union due to EU alerts on the safety of consumer goods.

The European Union from July 1 will strictly control imported kitchenware made of polyamide and melamine with China and Hong Kong as the country of origin, as excessive levels of carcinogens, spreading from food containers, were found in the respiratory system of European consumers. (MCOT online news)