Thailand’s exports jumped 31 per cent in February on year to US$18.86 billion, the highest monthly amount in history, according to the Commerce Ministry.
February’s imports increased 22.5 per cent on year to $17.1 billion.
Thailand resumed trade surplus of $1.76 billion last month after running a deficit in January.
Exports rose 26.74 per cent in the first two months of this year to $35.61 billion, while imports expanded 27.7 per cent to $34.70 billion. The country’s trade surplus amounted to $910.8 million.
Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai said that Japan’s disaster would give a short-term, minimal impact on Thai exports, as radiation leaks affect shipments. However, Thai exports to Japan should rise significantly after the chaos are settled down.
The ministry maintains its export growth target for this year at 10 per cent, when the value would hit $215 billion. (The Nation)