Shippers keep growth outlook at 12%A group of Thai shippers is feeling more upbeat about export prospects this year after shipments rose for the sixth month in a row in August. Chaichan Chareonsuk, chairman of the Thai National Shippers' Council (TNSC), said on Tuesday the group maintained its forecast for Thai export growth of 12% this year to US$260 billion. However, obstacles persist in 2021, including a stubborn pandemic in Thailand and slow vaccine distribution, said Mr Chaichan. The Commerce Ministry reported on Sept 24 customs-cleared exports rose 8.39% year-on-year in August to $22 billion, with imports increasing by 47.9% to $23.2 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $1.22 billion. Exports in the real sector (excluding gold, oil-related products and weaponry) continued to rise by 19.4% in August year-on-year.
