Thai shippers forecast exports to gain 5% in Q1

A group of Thai shippers expects the country’s exports to see year-on-year growth of 5% in the first quarter, helped by the global economic recovery.

Chaichan Chareonsuk, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, said exports in January are likely to remain robust, with values expected to stay around US$22 billion.

“We’re confident the first quarter should see exports grow by 5% over the same quarter of last year,” said Mr Chaichan.

However, he admitted there were a number of risk factors, including high fuel prices, a shortage of workers and raw materials, and port congestion.

The group is maintaining its export growth forecast at 5-8% this year, with an estimated value of $285-293 billion,…