Thailand's Merchandise Export Contracts 8.2 Pct In Aug 2020

BANGKOK, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- Thailand’s merchandise export contracted 8.2 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) in August 2020 compared with the same month last year, the Bank of Thailand (BoT) said. In a statement, it said excluding gold export which recorded historical high, the value of merchandise export declined 13.6 per cent during the month compared to 14.3 per cent in July. Meanwhile, exports of petroleum-related products, automotive and parts and electrical appliances had improved, consistent with the gradual recovery of demand in trading partner countries. However, exports of agricultural products contracted deeper, especially exports of fruits to China, it said. Meanwhile, BoT said the value of merchandise imports contracted by 19.1 per cent y-o-y in August , exhibiting softer contractions in all categories of products compared to the previous month. “The current account recorded a surplus largely contributed by gold exports, while the capital and financial accounts posted a deficit owing to the liability position,” it added. --BERNAMA