The JSCCIB expects exports to decline more slowly than the previous forecast of a 0-2-per-cent contraction to a 0-1-per-cent drop this year.
It also expects exports next year to grow by 0-2 per cent, which is still slight, as global economic growth should remain fragile, particularly in Europe and China.
The United States is an exception, as its economy is expected to recover next year after the presidential election.
Isara Vongkusolkit, chairman of the meeting and of the Board of Trade of Thailand, said the global economy was still shaky and could cause slow global trading.
Many factors could affect global trading and Thai exports. For next year, the Thai economy is projected to expand by |3.3-3.5 per cent, slower than 3.5-4 per cent estimated for this year.
The Thai economy might shrink slightly this quarter, |but that should not affect |the whole year’s growth, as tourism has continued to outperform to drive gross domestic product.
Nopporn Thepsithar, chairman of the Thai National Shippers Council, said the trade group also looked for stronger export growth next year at 0-1 per cent, turning around from the expected shrinkage of 0-0.8 per cent this year.
Factors that could influence the country’s exports are slow global economic growth, continuing low world oil prices, low prices of commodities, uncertainty over US interest rates, impacts from foreign-exchange speculation, non-tariff barriers, international political conflicts, Thai exporters’ ability to adjust, and the increasing trend of free-trade agreements.