Exports, a key driver of growth, increased 17.1% in September from a year earlier, beating a forecast for a rise of 11.62% in a Reuters poll, and against August's 8.9% rise. In January-September, shipments rose 15.5% year-on-year and should post strong growth in 2021, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit told a news conference, following September's easing of coronavirus restrictions that halted activity. The export gains in September were led by stronger shipments of refined oil, chemicals, plastics and steel, the ministry said. Demand from key exports markets was also higher in September, with exports to the United States, the biggest market, up 20.2% from a year earlier. Exports to China increased by 23.3% and exports to Japan rose by 13.2%.
