Shipments likely to pick up

       Asean's sluggish economies are seeing signs of recovery due to improving demand from their key trading partners,especially China, says Kasikorn Research Center.
       Thailand, which exports heavily to Asean, will likely benefit from the expected recovery.
       Asean countries have experienced drastic economic slowdowns since the fourth quarter of 2008 due to the impact of the global recession.
       Thai exports to Asean shrank by nearly 32% year-on-year in the first half, but the situation is expected to improve to a contraction of 5% to 10% in the second half, and possibly return positive results in the last two months of the year.
       Asean's four key trading partners, the US, the EU, Japan and China account for 46% of Asean exports. Recovery in these markets is key to the region moving out of recession.
       The rebound in Asean will likely increase demand for Thai products.
       Some of the trading bloc's member states are showing signs of improvement.Singapore moved into to positive growth in the second quarter. Indonesia and Vietnam were growing in the first quarter and are expected to thrive further.
       Some Thai exports to Asean showed improvement in the second quarter and will likely perform better in the second half, according to KResearch Center.These sectors are computers, automobiles, rubber products, electronics, chemical products and plastic products.