A baht exchange rate of 34-35 per dollar is not stronger or
weaker compared with the currencies of trading partners and
competitors, he added.
The baht was trading at 34.18 per dollar at 0543 GMT.
The group, however, said global uncertainty, high stockpiles
and rising production costs remained negative factors for trade.
The central bank predicted exports would decline 0.7% for
the whole of 2023.
(Reporting by Orathai Sriring and Satawasin Staporncharnchai;
Editing by Martin Petty, Kanupriya Kapoor)
(Recasts, adds details, quotes)
BANGKOK, May 2 (Reuters) - Thailand's exports in the
second quarter are likely to contract at a slower pace before
picking up in the second half of the year thanks to China's
recovery and improved demand from key markets, the Thai
shippers' council said on Tuesday.
Exports, a key driver of growth, are expected to show
zero to 1% growth this year, Chaichan Chareonsuk, chairman of
the Thai National Shippers' Council, told a news conference.
"We are confident that (exports) should not be negative as
several products such as food, agriculture and vehicles should
continue to do well," he said.
Shipments in January-March came in better than expected,
meaning exports have bottomed out and should continue to
improve, Chaichan said.
In the first quarter of 2023, exports declined 4.5% from
a year earlier, compared with the group's forecast for a 10%
drop.
Second quarter exports are expected to fall 2.7% on an
annual basis, the group said, versus a previous forecast drop of
4.7%.
The group is predicting exports will rise 0.6% in the third
quarter from a year earlier before jumping 12% in the fourth
quarter of the year.
The baht has been favourable and stable, which
should continue to support exports, Chaichan said.
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