Industry groups boost export growth forecast to 2-3.5%
A grouping of Thailand's top industry bodies - comprising the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Bankers Association and the Thai Chamber of Commerce – on Tuesday raised its 2017 export forecast to 2-3.5 per cent on stronger than expected first-quarter demand.
The grouping’s previous estimate was for growth of 1-3 per cent.
Exports rose 5 per cent year on year in the first quarter, after climbing slightly in 2016, the first annual increase in four years. Exports of electronics, automobiles, rubber products and chemicals were particularly strong. The grouping believes the economy will continue to improve in the second half of this year.
