Thailand's exports in 2006 are projected at 130.3 billion U.S. dollars, up 17.5 percent from 2005, Thai News Agency reported Sunday.

The increase is due to continued expansion of global trade and an assertive trade strategy adopted by the government, the agency quoted a forecast from the Ministry of Commerce as saying.

Exports of electronic goods and spare parts will be the major driving force in boosting this year's exports, while exports of agricultural goods will also rise on the back of an expected decline in global agricultural production of between 4-5 percent due to natural calamity.

Thailand is expected to ship more tapioca, rubber and maize this year, the Ministry said.

Imports of steel, machinery and spare parts are also projected to rise this year.

The value of this year's imports is projected at 136 billion dollars, an increase of 15.2 percent from last year, which would create a trade deficit in 2006 of about 5.7 billion U.S. dollars.

Source: Xinhua