Thailand’s exports marked record high-ever of $14.45 billion in October, up 26.7 per cent from a year earlier despite reported lower economic growth, baht appreciation, and higher oil price, the Department of Export Promotion (DEP) said.

Rachane Pojanasunthorn, DEP’s director-general, told a news conference Wednesday that agricultural goods export grew 22.26 per cent in October. Industrial goods grew 29.1 per cent as well and other goods jumped 21.4 per cent, pushing 2007’s ten months overall export increased by 17.2 per cent.

He said this has been the result of exporters and the Commercial Ministry’s ability to tap new more export markets.

Shipment to the EU has surpassed the U.S. for the first time while shipment to Japan grew 12 per cent and the export to Thailand’s No. 4 trade partner, China, surged 32 per cent from the corresponding period a year earlier.

Rachane remarked that higher demand for goods towards the approach of Christmas and the New Year festivals helped the export defied the domestic economy.