Thai Exports Relapse In April

Economic Research	26 May 2016
Thailand
Economic Highlights
Thai Exports Relapse In April Thailand’s exports were unexpectedly soft, plunging 8.0% y-o-y in April, weighed by global economic uncertainties and low commodity prices. The measure had risen 1.3% the month before. Both agricultural and industrial exports deteriorated from the month before. The former was dragged by weak demand for rice and tapioca, while the latter saw shipments of electronics, electrical equipment and plastics all shrink a quicker pace than the month before. On top of that exports of vehicle & parts slumped 5.5% y-o-y, retreating from a 1.7% advance the month before, further weighing on the headline figure. Meanwhile, imports decreased at an accelerated pace of 14.9% y-o-y in April, compared a 6.9% correction the month before, resulting in a smaller trade surplus of USD0.7bn (from USD3.0bn in March). Economist:  Ng Kee Chou  | +603 9280 2179
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