Optimism for textile exports

The Thailand Textile Institute is optimistic the industry's exports, which have seen a contraction, will see signs of improvement in the second half of the year following gradual recovery in the global economy.

Textile and garment exports declined 14 per cent year on year in the first four months.

"If the political chaos is not prolonged, we expect our exports this year will not be lower than US$7 billion (Bt241 billion), a 2.7-per-cent slide from $7.2 billion in 2008, because global demand has started to recover," said executive director Virat Tandaechanurat.

Even though exports dropped drastically in the first four months, sales to Japan remained positive, thanks to tax incentives from the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement.

"In the second half, we expect demand from Japan and Asean members to rise, particularly Vietnam and Cambodia, which are the main exporters of clothes to the United States and Europe," he said.