August exports expected to expand at a slower rateShipping containers sit aboard a vessel at Klong Toey Port in Bangkok. According to Commerce Ministry statistics, customs-cleared exports reached US$22.7 billion in July, with imports increasing by 45.9% year-on-year to $22.5 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $183 million. For the first seven months of 2021, Thai exports expanded by 16.2% to $155 billion, while imports rose by 28.7% to $152 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $2.62 billion. Real sector exports (excluding gold, oil-related products and weaponry) also continued to soar by 25.4% from July last year. The deal includes a joint effort to help the Australian military acquire nuclear-powered submarines, in an apparent attempt to counter China.

Source: Bangkok Post September 22, 2021 23:37 UTC