Jan-Sept exports jump 9.3%, hit 6-year high

Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn said that September exports had increased by 12.2%, generating US$21.8 billion of revenue. 

Export growth has continued for seven consecutive months, led by rubber, sugar, and frozen and processed poultry. Rice exports from January to September totaled 8.2 million tonnes, representing a growth of 12.5%. 

Export revenue for the first nine months of 2017 rose to a six-year high of US$170 billion, or 9.3% higher from the same period last year. The Ministry of Commerce believes upcoming trade promotion activities in the country and overseas, as well as an economic upswing of Thailand’s trade partners, will enable the country’s exports to grow by at least 8% this year. 

Imports over the first nine months expanded 14.8% to US$160 billion, resulting in a surplus of US$12 billion. Imports in September alone increased 9.7% to US$18.4 billion. 

Capital goods and raw materials were the main imported commodities, reflecting manufacturer confidence in exports and domestic investment.