Significant Step Up In Thai Capacity Utilisation As MPI Uptrend Becomes Entrenched

Economic Research	03 May 2016
Thailand
Economic Highlights
Significant Step Up In Thai Capacity Utilisation As MPI Uptrend Becomes Entrenched Thailand factory output climbed 1.9% y-o-y in March, reversing its 1.6% fall from a month earlier, underpinned by positive swings in the automotive, electronics and electricals (E&E) and chemical sectors. Things were further improved as furniture output surged 27.9% y-o-y, accelerating from a 14.3% advance in February. In contrast, production of food & beverage and rubber & plastic items slowed sharply from the month before, capping some of the gains. In tandem with the improvement in MPI, capacity utilisation rate for Thai factories rose to 72.5%, from 65.6% the month before. Economist:  Ng Kee Chou  | +603 9280 2179
To access our recent reports please click on the links below: 03 May: Thai CPI Breaks Losing Streak On Rising Energy And Food Prices 03 May: Return Of Foreign Investors Helped Stabilise Money Supply 26 Apr: Thai Exports Rose For The Second Successive Month In March 18 Apr: Impact Of Drought To Hit Farmers Most, Other Sectors Remain Largely Insulated For The Time Being 04 Apr: Thailand’s CPI Remained Negative In March 01 Apr: Broad Money Supply Slows Despite Surge In Government Spending 30 Mar: Thailand’s Auto And E&E Sectors Drove February MPI Improvement