Customs-cleared annual exports rose for a fifth straight month in July, but fell short of expectations, as demand from major markets increased. Exports, a key driver of Thailand's growth, rose 10.5% in July from a year earlier after June's 11.7% rise, commerce ministry data showed on Wednesday. In January-July, exports grew 8.2% from a year earlier, Pimchanok Vonkhorporn, an official at the Commerce Ministry, said at a briefing. Imports in July increased 18.5% from a year earlier, compared with the forecast of a 13.0% rise. Thailand had a trade deficit of US$188 million in July, the first deficit in more than two years, compared with a poll forecast of a $800 million surplus.

Source: Bangkok Post August 23, 2017 04:18 UTC