Export slide eases

In the month, export value topped US$14.8 billion, down 3 per cent on year and 0.6 per cent from the previous month. Meanwhile, imports reached $13 billion, down 17.5 per cent on year.

 Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai attributed the improvement to the global economic recovery and recovery in major export markets. Moreover, as importers witness a drop in inventory, they renewed orders to accommodate heavy spending during the Christmas season.

 All product categories enjoyed an increase in value. The agricultural products export value in the month reached US$2.4 billion, down 5.4 per cent on year but rose 8.1 per cent from the previous month. Most of the products covered rice, tapioca products, and frozen as well as processed shrimps.