Thai December exports top forecast, 2022 exports seen up 3-4per cent

BANGKOK : Thailand’s exports rose more than expected in December from a year earlier, with full-2021 growth coming at 17.1per cent, the highest in 11 years, helped by stronger global demand and a weak baht, the commerce minister said on Friday.

In December, exports increased 24.2per cent from a year earlier, beating a forecast for a rise of 15.5per cent in a Reuters poll, and after November’s 24.7per cent increase.

Exports, a key driver of Thailand’s growth, are forecast to rise by 3per cent to 4per cent in 2022, as solid global demand is expected to continue, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit told a news conference.

The baht currency is likely to remain supportive and a container shortage is expected to ease, Jurin said.

Thailand’s participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade deal will also be a boost, he added.

However, risks to exports this…