Auto-parts makers see less export growth to US
Auto-part manufacturers expect growth in exports to the US this year to be only 10 per cent, half of last year, due to the prolonged political crisis and an rising baht, said Sukjai Luangmeesakul, a director of the Thai Auto Parts Association.
"However, Thai auto-part exports stand a good chance to grow in the US market, said Sukjai, who was part a delegation of exporters that accompanied caretaker Deputy PM Somkid Jatusripitak to the US. "The US administration might consider charging a special tariff rate of 27.5 per cent on all Chinese exports. China is now a fierce competitor; if the US does to impose the special rate, Thai exports might gain some competitive edge," he said. The US imports US$300-500 billion (Bt11-19 trillion) worth of auto parts from around the world each year to support the approximately 250 million vehicles that go on sale there each year. Thailand exported $7 billion worth of vehicles to the US in 2005, and $5 billion worth of auto parts. Vilai Kiatsrichat, president of the Thai Food Processors Association, said frozen food exports to the US should grow 15 per cent this year, raising the total export value to Bt150 billion from Bt130 billion last year. She said exporters with Somkid spoke to US officials on three major trade issues. First, exporters of sea shrimp face a problem over the US requirement that Thai trawlers use turtle-excluding devices in their nets. Second, pineapple exports have been subject to anti-dumping tariffs of 4 to 20 per cent over the past eight years. Third, tuna exporters had sought a review of tariffs imposed by the US.
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