Exports are expected to grow at least 6% this year, better than the 5% predicted earlier, the Thai National Shippers’ Council said on Tuesday, thanks to improved global demand.

Exports, a key driver of  growth, rose 8.9% between January and August from a year earlier.

However, the strength of the baht remains a risk, the council statement said.

The baht has appreciated by 6.9% against the US dollar so far this year, the highest gain among Asian currencies.