Thailand’s exports rise to highest in 6 years

BANGKOK, May 23 (TNA) -- Thailand’s exports in the first quarter rose to the highest in six years prompting the Commerce Minister to aim for five percent export growth this year. Ms Pimchanok Vonkorpon, Director-General at Trade Policy and Strategy Office of the Commerce Ministry, said Monday of her confidence to see continual upward trend in Thailand’s export volume. Thailand's commerce ministry aims for gross export growth of 5 percent this year after a tiny increase in 2016, the first annual gain in four years. Exports in April jumped 8.5 percent from the same month of last year to over US$16.86 billion as global demand improved, she said. Accumulated export in the first four months rose 5.7 percent, the highest growth in six years, added Ms Pimchanok. She pointed out to risks arising from uncertainty in US trade policy, the fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and oil prices. (TNA)