THAILAND’S exports rose more than expected in July but the Southeast Asian country’s biggest COVID-19 outbreak to date and movement restrictions are likely to impact shipments in August and September, the commerce minister said yesterday. Exports, a key driver of Thailand’s growth, increased 20.27 percent in July from year earlier as global demand improved, beating a forecast for a 19.7 percent in a poll, and against June’s 43.8 percent year-on-year rise. Exports are a rare bright spot in Thailand as it struggles with a surge in infections, prompting movement curbs in areas which account for about 80 percent of gross domestic product. “The lockdown measures may have impacted the manufacturing sector as we’ve seen some closures of fruit factories for exports,” said Jurin Laksanawisit, Thailand’s commerce minister. The outbreak has increasingly affected factories and worsened a labor shortage, threatening exports at a time of stronger global demand and a weaker baht. The Federation of Thai Industries yesterday called on government support for factories including clear “bubble and seal” measures and more vaccines. (SD-Agencies) | 