BANGKOK: Thailand’s customs-cleared annual exports likely expanded for a seventh straight month in September but at a slower pace than August, underpinned by strong global demand, economists said. Exports, a key driver of Thailand’s growth, were forecast to grow 10.42 percent in September from a year earlier after rising 13.2 percent in August, according to the median forecast of eight analysts surveyed by Reuters.
Thailand’s exports are on the mend but have come under pressure from a strong baht. The currency has appreciated 8 percent against the dollar so far this year, the biggest gain among Asian currencies, which has chipped away at the country’s export competitiveness. The commerce ministry has forecast exports will increase 7 percent this year, accelerating from a modest 0.5 percent rise last year following three years of contraction. Imports in September likely climbed 11.44 percent from a year earlier after August’s 14.9 percent increase, economists predicted. Thailand is expected to have posted a trade surplus of $2.55 billion in September after August’s $2.09 billion surplus.
