Thai exporters’ confidence remains high despite the foreign exchange rate

DHL, the world’s leading express and logistics company, today unveiled the latest annual Export Outlook survey with key findings that Thai exporters are still confident regarding export prospects despite the economic slowdown. The second DHL Thailand Export Outlook survey has revealed that Thai economy is forecasted to remain relatively stable in the second half of 2007 and to expand over the next three years. About 30% of all respondents expect the Thai economy overall to improve over the next three years (2008 – 2010). The survey also showed the negative impact of the strength of the Thai baht on international trade, while the global economy was considered, among all industry groups, the next most significant factor. Approximately 69% of respondents said converting the strong baht into US dollars had a negative impact on their business. More than half of the respondents expect the baht to weaken in the second half of 2007, which will help all export sectors. Oil prices are expected to remain stable and are unlikely to rise in the future. The economy and imports are also being hurt by the lower consumption rate and reduced private-sector investment. Herbert Vongpusanachai, Managing Director, Indochina Region – DHL Express, said, “As an industry trade facilitator, DHL continues to provide our customers and partners not only with the best services, but also with insightful information that adds value to their business operation. This is the second year we have conducted the survey, with good reception from our customers and partners. The comprehensive survey aims to unveil significant economic trends that will help them to find ways and means of those elusive productivity gains amidst unfavorable business climate.” Brighter Outlook for Exports The survey results also show interviewees are confident that the outlook for export is brighter than for the Thai economy in general. About 27% of respondents see exports improving in the second half of 2007, compared to 2006, and 87% forecast export levels to be higher in 2010 than in 2006. However, 23% of interviewees expect that though import level will remain below that of exports, it will still rise by 2010. High product quality, good customer relationship, and competitive prices are all the advantages of Thai exports rated most highly in the survey. New Emerging Markets The OECD (Organization of Economic co-operation and Development) predicts strong expansion for the economies of Japan and Europe. The Chinese economy is expected to grow by more than 10% this year and again in 2008. Not only is there potential for growth in exports to Japan and Europe but Thailand has expanded into new export markets. These include China, the middle East, South Asia and Africa, where the economies have expanded 30-40% in the first half of 2007. The survey results also showed that most businesses feel that demand for Thai products from the USA and Japan, Thailand’s main trading partners, will increase significantly in the second half of 2007. Demand from the USA is likely to stabilize or decline by 2010. Free Trade Agreements The 2007 DHL Thailand Export Outlook found that over 50% of the respondents felt that the Thailand – Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) and the Thailand – New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (TNZCEP) are beneficial to Thailand’s foreign trade. The main benefit is the reduction of the import tariff on automotive parts and tires to 5% while the India – Thailand Free Trade Area (ITFTA) is expected to have long-term benefits from India’s high population density and huge demand for goods. The survey also revealed that respondents expect the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership (JTEPA) to be beneficial. Benefits include being able to import raw materials and equipment for manufacturing at lower cost, and increases in direct investment by Japanese partners. Moreover, the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ASEAN-China FTA) will have a more negative impact on bilateral trade because Chinese imports are increasingly in competition with locally manufactured products. About the DHL Thailand Export Outlook The DHL Thailand Export Outlook is an initiative aimed at analysing import-export confidence in Thailand in identifying export trends, and was first launched in November 2006. This annual comprehensive survey is intended to provide customers and partners insight into economic trends predicted for the next three years and a half year. Developed and conducted by the Export Outlook Centre of DHL Express International (Thailand) Limited, 204 managers were interviewed from selected organizations. These included large corporations, SME importers and exporters, government agencies and industry associations, 37 of which were interviewed in depth. Survey period was from 15 May to 25 June, 2007. About DHL DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source. DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Over 285,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations. DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net brand. The group generated revenues of €60 billion in 2006. About DHL Thailand DHL Thailand offers customers a comprehensive range of logistics solutions through three business units: DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Exel Supply Chain. Customers can enjoy the convenience of one-stop-shop service, from shipping documents to containers, delivered by 1,700 DHL staff. With over 20 locations around Thailand, DHL’s services cover 76 provinces in the country. For further information, please visit our website at http://www.dhl.co.th DHL Express International (Thailand) Ltd. Ms. Piyalak P. or Ms. Passarin L. Tel: 0-2345-5602 or 5608 Fax: 0-2285-5732 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Hill & Knowlton Thailand Ms. Dutduan J. or Ms. Visa C. Tel: 0-2627-3501 ext 114 or 107 Fax: 0-2627-3510 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

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