Shipments are expected to stay negative for the fourth consecutive month in the first quarter, with exports forecast to contract by 1.5% to 1.9% to US$ 55.9 to $57.8 billion, said Mr Aat.
However, shipments are expected to recover to grow by 4% in the second quarter, 7% in the third quarter and 10% in the fourth quarter. The growth will be driven mainly by the global economic recovery and lower energy costs.
Thailand's key export markets such as the US and EU as well as emerging markets are expected to experience growth this year, unlike Japan, where the government plans to hike value-added tax from 5% now to 8% in April and 10% next year, resulting in lower consumption.