Exports in 2010 surpassed target

Thailand's exports exceeded all expectations last year, leaping 28.17 per cent to US$195.31 billion (Bt6 trillion) fast-growing demand in the world market in line with the economic recovery. In local currency terms, the rise in exports was more modest - 18.9 per cent to Bt6.17 trillion - due to the baht's appreciation.

Imports also soared by 36.47 per cent to $182.4 billion or Bt5.83 trillion, bringing the trade surplus to $12.9 billion or Bt337.03 billion.
In December alone, exports still increased by 18.8 per cent to $17.37 billion or Bt516 billion year on year, while imports advanced by 11.46 per cent to $16.07 billion.
Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai said yesterday that exports surged beyond the ministry's 2010 forecast of 20-per-cent growth.
The stellar performance came after countries imported more goods to replenish their stocks after the global economy showed improvement, she said.
The free-trade agreements with other countries have not only boosted markets but also facilitated the flow of goods particularly agricultural and industrial products. Orders also picked up in both traditional and secondary markets. Major exports last year were farm crop and agro-industrial goods, which climbed up by 26.5 per cent to 8.9 million tonnes. For instance, rubber skyrocketed 83.4 per cent and food rose 14.4 per cent, while cassava plunged 42.2 per cent and sugar dropped 19.9 per cent.
Major industrial exports were electronics, electric appliances, cars, plastic pellets and plastic products, rubber products, textiles and jewellery, and ornaments.
Exports to traditional markets continued to do well, with the US up by 21.2 per cent, EU by 19.7 per cent, Japan 29.8 per cent and Asean 38.6 per cent. Exports to secondary markets such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Canada and Australia also increased significantly.
Important emerging markets were Indochina, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe.
Last year's main imports consisted of energy, up 27.3 per cent, capital goods, up 29.8 per cent, raw materials and semi-finished materials 44.4 per cent and consumer goods 28.3 per cent.
The export-growth target is 10 per cent for this year. The government would focus more on ploughing new export markets to reduce the risk from economic downturns in traditional markets, she added.