BANGKOK -- Thailand said Wednesday that its exports grew for a sixth straight month in April in a much-needed boost for the economy, which has been rocked by political unrest.
Shipments jumped 35.2 percent to US$14.1 billion in during the month as all sectors registered growth, while imports were up 46 percent to US$14.4 billion, the Commerce Ministry said, suggesting growing demand at home.
Thailand posted a trade deficit of 266 million in April mostly because of fuel imports, after a trade surplus of US$1.15 billion in March.
The key agriculture and processed food sector expanded 27.5 percent while the manufactured goods shipments soared 37.1 percent, the ministry said.
The Commerce Ministry said Thailand maintained its original target of export growth of 14.0 percent for 2010, despite the unrest.
"The political unrest has not yet affected the Thai export sector as there was no shut down of airports or sea ports," she said.
"(The) curfew imposition will have a short term affect on the transportation of oil, but it will not affect the second quarter," she said.
Pornthiwa added Thai exports also benefited from Bank of Thailand efforts to stabilize the currency between 32 and 33 baht to one dollar.
For the first four months of the year Thai exports rose 32.5 percent year on year and topped US$58.5 billion.
Thailand has been hit by deadly political turmoil recently, while anti-government rallies paralyzed parts of the capital for two months until last week, stunting domestic demand and causing major losses in tourism and retail industries.
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