Thai exports last month soared 35.2 per cent year-on-year and the trade value was about US$14.09 billion, Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai said on Wednesday.

Mrs Porntiva said imports in April also grew 46.0 per cent year-on-year to $14.35 billion. As a result, the country had a trade deficit of $266 million.

"Exports have increased for six consecutive months and should continue expanding till the end of 2010," she said.

Exports of all product categories moved up last month. Exports of agricultural and agro-industrial goods rose 27.5 per cent while exports of key industrial products saw a 37.1 per cent growth.

Important exported agricultural and agro-industrial products were cassava, sugar, frozen seafood, canned and processed food, fruits and vegetables.

However, the value and quantity of exported rice went down due to fierce pricing competition with Vietnam, Pakistan and India, in addition to the appreciation of  the Thai baht.

The country also exported more electrical appliances, auto parts, plastic, rubber, cosmetics and jewellery.

In the first four months of this year, exports were worth  $58.47 billion, up 32.45 per cent. Imports rose 54.88 per cent to $56.62 billion. This resulted in a trade surplus of $1.84 billion.

"One of the supporting factors for exports is the recovering global economy and exporters find the baht's current value acceptable.

"The political situation has yet to affect exports but imposing curfews could cause some logistics problems," Mrs Porntiva said.

The Commerce Ministry expected exports to grow $172 billion, or 14 per cent, this year.

Source: Bangkok Post