Exports edge up for second month

Exports edge up for second month

January shipments generate US$19.7bn

Exports rose for a second straight month in January, albeit at a slow pace, edging up by 0.35% from the same month of last year after a 4.71% year-on-year surge in December 2020.

The Commerce Ministry reported that customs-cleared exports fetched US$19.7 billion in the first month of this year, with imports declining 5.24% to $19.91 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $202.39 million.

A global economic recovery, massive monetary and economic stimulus measures, as well as effective Covid-19 vaccines coupled with extensive vaccination, had supported export growth in January, said Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit.

Excluding gold, oil, and weaponry, Thai exports grew 7.57% year-on-year in January.

“Food, work-from-home products and home…