ENVIRONMENT / POLLUTION IN MAP TA PHUT

Export growth still strong in first two months

Despite the strong baht, Thailand's exports remain robust with more than 18% growth in the first two months of 2007 over the same period of the year before.

The baht, which has risen by 12% against the US dollar since the start of the year, has worried traders, many of whom have called for stronger currency controls.

Exports in January and February were worth US$21.7 billion, up 18.07% over the same period last year, while imports increased just 2.8% to $19.7 billion.

The trade surplus of more than $2 billion reflected the strong baht as well as decisions by some businesses to delay imports as they believed the US dollar would weaken further.

Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet said he was satisfied with the surplus, which compared with a deficit of $780 million in the first two months of 2006.

In February, figures showed $11.2 billion in exports and $10.1 billion in import value, up 18.4% and 3.13% respectively over the same period last year.

Despite the strong early performance, Mr Krirk-krai said the ministry would maintain its export growth projection at 12.5% this year to around $145.9 billion, from $129.7 billion earned in 2006.

Bangkok Post

Last Updated : Tuesday April 10, 2007