July export up 43.9%

 Import value also hit a record high at $17.98 billion, a 55.06 per cent increase on year. In the month, Thailand posted the trade deficit of $1.03 billion.

 The ministry attributed the continued growth in exports to rising demand, particularly in new markets which demonstrated a 56.1 per cent increase. Meanwhile, exports to major markets like the US, Japan and Europe also rose 33.2 per cent.

 Import value rose in all categories, particularly the fuel of which import value was $4.2 billion or an 98.2 per cent increase. Attributing to the increasing value was the higher oil price. In the month, crude oil hit a record high of $147 per barrel.

 During January to July, Thailand's export value reached $1.04 trillion, up 26.1 per cent on year, thanks mainly to agricultural and agricultural industrial sectors. In the same period, imports amounted to $1.06 trillion, up 36.8 per cent. Trade deficit was recorded at $2.09 billion.