BANGKOK, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's exports extended their growth for a 17th consecutive month in November, mainly driven by sustained strong demand for industrial products in line with the electronics sector's upward cycle, official data showed on Thursday.
Exports, a key driver of the Southeast Asian country's economic growth, expanded 7.1 percent year-on-year last month to 27.45 billion U.S. dollars, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
Industrial shipments increased 12.2 percent compared to the previous year in November, marking the 20th successive month of expansion, with strong performances recorded in telephones, computers, and gems and jewelry products.
Meanwhile, exports of agricultural products declined 15.7 percent, and agro-industrial shipments dropped 2.3 percent.
For the first 11 months of this year, exports climbed 12.6 percent to 310.70 billion dollars, while imports picked up 12.4 percent to 315.66 billion dollars, yielding a trade deficit of 4.96 billion dollars.
Thai exports are expected to grow at a faster-than-previously-projected rate, reaching double digits in 2025, supported by robust demand from the digital technology sector and easing global trade tensions, the ministry said in a statement.
For 2026, export growth is projected to slow, reflecting weaker global economic conditions and softer demand from key trading partners, while price pressures and a stronger baht currency could weigh on Thailand's competitiveness, the ministry said. ■
