Thailand’s exports in the first eight months of this year totalled around US$125 billion, representing an increase of 32.6 per cent, according to Commerce Minister Pornthiva Nakasai.

Ms Pornthiva said the export volume in August alone reached US$16.4 billion, or an increase of 23.9 per cent, compared to the same period last year.

The export for major goods increased in every sector, she said. Agricultural and agro-industrial products saw a 14-per cent rise, as well as rubber, processed and canned frozen food which enjoyed increasing orders in both quantity and value.

Industrial goods including electrical appliances, automobiles, plastic resin, and plastic and rubber products recorded an increase of more than 20 per cent.

Export values in Thailand’s main markets have continued higher for the tenth running, at some 31.2 per cent, while the values in its minor or new markets rose for the 12th consecutive month, at around 11.5 per cent.

However, rice orders for exports were lower due to the ongoing strong baht currency and competition from Vietnam, Pakistan and India. The volume of rice orders has fallen by 13.5 per cent, while its value was down 18.6 per cent.

via Thailand’s 8-month exports surge 33%.