BANGKOK: Thailand’s customs-cleared annual exports in February likely grew at a slower pace than in the previous month, a Reuters poll showed, as demand was lower over Lunar New Year holidays.
The poll’s median forecast was for exports, a key driver of Thai growth, to grow 9.2 percent in February from a year ago.
In January, exports jumped 17.6 percent from a year earlier, more than expected.
The commerce ministry targets an export growth of 8 percent this year after a 9.9 percent increase in 2017 despite a strong baht, which is hovering above four-year highs.
February imports likely increased 15.35 percent from a year earlier after jumping 24.3 percent in January, the poll showed.
Thailand is expected to have recorded a trade surplus of $800 million in February, according to the poll, following a deficit of $119 million in January.