April 25, 2007	Wednesday	Rabi-us-Sani 07, 1428

BANGKOK, April 24: Thailand's exports surged to a record high in March, soaring 18.4 per cent year-on-year to over $13.1 billion, despite the strength of its baht currency, the commerce ministry said on Tuesday.

Export of electronics, automobiles and construction materials led the gains, which were seen in every category last month, Commerce Minister Krirk-Krai Jirapaet said.

Imports, meanwhile, rose by about 0.6 per cent to $10.83 billion, putting the trade surplus at $2.27 billion in March, he added.

“Exports continued their strong rise since the beginning of the year with Thailand posting total exports of over $34.8bn in the first three months,” Krirk-Krai told reporters. Overseas shipments expanded 18.2pc in the first quarter, compared to the same period of 2006. Exports so far amounted to 24pc of the whole year target, he added.—AFP