Shippers see exports sinking through first halfThe Thai National Shippers’ Council forecasts shipments to contract by 3.6% and 2.9% in the first and second quarters of this year. (Photo by Pornprom Satrabhaya)A key shippers group expects Thai exports to fall by 3.3% year-on-year in the first half of 2020 but is holding out hope for a second-half turnaround that would bring full-year results to 0-1% growth. Ghanyapad Tantipipatpong, chairwoman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC), said the clear impact of the coronavirus outbreak on exports is likely to be seen from February’s data onwards. The decline in shipments stems largely from a delay in deliveries and lower production in China because of the virus emergency. The Commerce Ministry reported on Feb 24 that customs-cleared exports rose by 3.4% year-on-year in January, fetching $19.6 billion.

Source: Bangkok Post March 03, 2020 11:26 UTC