2009 export value drops only 14.2 per cent

By Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation

Thailand's annualised export value shrank 14.2 per cent year on year in 2009 to US$152.5 billion, according to the Commerce Ministry.

The percentage drop was lower than expected, as in the first half of 2009, export value dropped by more than 20 per cent.

Export value in December alone rose by 26.1 per cent year on year, the highest increase last year. The monthly value rose to $14.62 billion due to economic recovery. Imports in the month increased 28.2 per cent to $14.42 billion, generating the trade surplus of $202.4 million last month.

Total import value last year was down 25.3 per cent to $133.79 billion. Over the entire year, the trade surplus totalled $18.7 billion.

Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai said at a press conference today that export this year is expected to grow continuously following the global economic recovery and the benefit from the free trade agreements.

-- The Nation 2010-01-19

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Khun Porntiva suprises me. When she was appointed, I questioned the wisdom of appointing some one who has no commerce experience and only work as a manager for a massage parlour. What she lacked in skill & experience, she made up with pure hard work and eager to learn. To me she & her ministry did a hel_l of a job.