Thai Nov exports seen up for 3rd month, factory output to fall again

[BANGKOK] Thailand's customs-cleared exports probably increased for a third straight month in November while imports rose slightly and factory output fell again, a Reuters poll showed.

Analysts predicted a rise of 3.6 per cent in November exports from a year earlier after October's gain of 3.97 per cent. Exports are equivalent to over 60 per cent of GDP.

Imports in November may have edged up 1.3 per cent on-year after a 4.88 per cent fall in October. Many imported materials are assembled into completed goods and shipped out again.

The manufacturing output index (MPI), down 2.87 per cent in October from a year earlier, likely slipped for a 20th straight month in November. The poll median was a 2.7 per cent decline.

Exports have long been weak while domestic activity remains subdued after an army coup in May ended prolonged political unrest.

REUTERS