Research institutes raise Thailand’s export growth forecasts hinh anh 1Containers are stacked at Klong Toey port in Bangkok (Source: Bangkokpost.com)
Bangkok (VNA) - Thailand’s research institutes have raised their growth projections for Thai exports after shipments recorded a high level in June thanks to the global economic recovery.

Krungsri Research, a unit under Bank of Ayudhya, increased the country’s export growth forecast for 2021 to 13.5 percent, up from 9 percent earlier, after shipments in June surged 43.8 percent year-on-year, a record high in the past 11 years.

It predicts Thai exports will maintain positive momentum in the second half of this year, though the growth rate may slow because of the base effect.

Kasikorn Research Centre previously upgraded the country’s export growth this year from 9 percent to 11.5 percent. The outlook called for 15.5 percent export growth in the first half this year and a 20 percent shipment gain for other countries in the region.

SCB Economic Intelligence Centre (EIC), a research house under Siam Commercial Bank, maintained its export growth forecast at 15 percent in July after reviewing figures for June. The global economic recovery and the low base effect are the key factors supporting the growth of shipments in regional countries, including Thailand.

However, the high number of new COVID-19 infections, container shortages and higher freight fees will challenge Thai shipments in the second half this year, said the centre.

Last week, the Thai Commerce Ministry reported customs-cleared exports rose for a fourth consecutive month, after gains of 41.6 percent in May, 13.1 percent in April and 8.47 percent in March, following a 2.59 percent contraction in February./.
VNA