New talks on G2G rice deal with China — THE GOVERNMENT plans to renegotiate with China deals for the sale of rice and other agricultural products after deciding to go it alone in the Bangkok to Nong Khai high-speed rail project instead of engaging in a joint venture with the economic powerhouse. (Bangkok Post, 10/5/16)
Move aims to double revenue by 2027 — The Excise Department is studying a plan to impose higher taxes on fuel, alcohol, beer, tobacco and telecommunications services with the aim of doubling revenue to almost 1 trillion baht by 2027. (Bangkok Post, 10/5/16)
March loans steady as banks remain wary of credit quality — Overall commercial bank loans declined in March on a monthly basis but registered a year-on-year upsurge as businesses seek loans for investment and working capital, reports the Bank of Thailand. (Bangkok Post, 11/5/16)
Rising internal risks causing concern — The Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) held the policy interest rate steady at 1.5% as expected yesterday, but voiced concerns over heightening internal downside risks that could derail private consumption and investment. (Bangkok Post, 12/5/16)
Fast-tracking of two projects approved — THE PUBLIC Private Partnership Policy Committee has approved the PPP fast-tracking of two projects: the Hua Lumphong-Bang Khae and Bang Sue-Tha Pra extensions of the Blue Line, and renewal of the lease on 1,498 rai (240 hectares) of Treasury Department land with Thai Oil. (Bangkok Post, 12/5/16)
U.S. crude stockpiles rise more than expected to fresh record high: EIA — U.S. crude oil stockpiles rose more than expected to fresh record highs last week as imports ticked higher, while gasoline inventories posted a surprise build as refineries ramped up production, data from the Energy Information Administration showed on Wednesday. Crude inventories rose 2.8 million barrels in the week to April 29 to 543.4 million barrels, building by about a million barrels more than analysts’ expectations. (Reuters, 4/5/2016)
quarter following data that showed stronger consumer spending and fixed investments, the Atlanta Federal Reserve’s GDPNow forecast model showed on Tuesday. The latest GDP estimate was faster than the 1.7 percent pace reported on May 4, the regional Fed said on its website. (Reuters, 10/5/16)
Even runaway pork prices can’t push up China inflation — The consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.3 percent on-year in April, compared with a 2.4 percent forecast by a Reuters poll and in line with March’s 2.3 percent on-year reading, Reuters data showed. The producer price index (PPI), meanwhile, declined on-year for the 50th consecutive month, down 3.4 percent, but at a slower rate of decline than in March. A Reuters poll forecast a 3.8 percent decline, after March’s 4.3 percent on-year slide. PPI rose 0.7 percent on-month. (CNBC, 10/5/16)
China April Caixin services PMI moderates to 51.8 from March’s 52.2 — The China Caixin services purchasing managers’ index (PMI) came in at 51.8 for April, continuing to show expansion but marking moderation from 52.2 in March. (CNBC, 4/5/2016)
China’s exports and imports slow more than expected — Exports fell 1.8% compared with April last year, according to official figures, reversing a recovery in March. Imports sank by 10.9% compared with the same month in 2015. Exports fell 1.8% compared with April last year, according to official figures, reversing a recovery in March. Imports sank by 10.9% compared with the same month in 2015. (BBC, 9/5/2016)
