The value of Thailand's exports in US dollar terms in September rose 19.4% year-on-year to $15.87 billion, as sales of rice, rubber and sugar and orders from new markets helped offset cooling demand from the U.S. and Europe.

Sales of canned seafood and processed food as well as industrial products remained strong for September, according to Siripol Yodmuangcharoen, the permanent secretary of the Commerce Ministry.

Exports rose 14.9% in value in August.

September exports expanded continuously both in new markets and traditional destinations.

Sales to new markets grew 21.2%, while shipments to the key markets such as the United States, European Union and Japan grew 17.7%.

Imports rose 39.4% year-on-year in September to $15.74 billion after a 26.9% rise in August. The September trade account showed a $133.3-million surplus after a $782-million deficit in August.

For the first nine months of 2008, Thailand's shipments totalled $135.92 billion, a rise of 23.9% as sales to traditional and new markets expanded by 17.8% and 31% respectively.

Agricultural and agro-industrial products were particularly strong with gains of 43.7%.

Imports for nine months were worth $138.66 billion, an increase of 35.8%, driven particularly by fuel products, capital goods, semi-finished materials and consumer goods.

''The International Monetary Fund forecast last week the world's economies will expand next year at the weakest pace since 1982, slowing to 4.4% from an estimated 5.3% this year. The forecast also shows Thailand's exports will be facing a tough time next year compared with the 15-20% healthy growth estimated this year,'' said Mr Siripol.

Commerce Minister Chaiya Sasomsab admitted recently that Thai exports in 2009 were expected to grow at a slower pace than the previous projection of 15% because global financial problems may lead exports to slow down. The ministry has lowered its export growth target to 10%.

Aat Pisanwanich, director of the Centre for International Trade Studies of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), said Thailand's export growth next year would be determined largely by giant economies such as the United States and the European Union, and the ability of Thai exporters to tap into new markets.

The centre forecast exports to grow by 10-12% compared with about 20% this year.

Mr Aat urged Thai exporters who want to grow in new markets to come up with a clear marketing position, as they have to face competition from cheap goods from China and Vietnam.

''The export sector is unlikely to be a hero for the Thai economy next year because of the world's economic recession,'' he said. ''We would rather urge the government to come up with more measures to stimulate domestic consumption, private investment, and state spending.''