February 25, 2008 - ...trade deficit of $653.3 million, the first deficit in 18 months.According to Commerce Minister Mingkwan Sangsuwan, exports rose in all items and all markets, with shipments to the US growing 16 percent, Japan 11.4 percent, Europe 21.5 percent, Asean 32.9 percent and China up 45.5 percent.Healthy expansion was seen in food, rising 27.5 percent, frozen and processed chicken up 86.6 percent, textiles up 9.8 percent, and gem and jewellery exports rising 137.4 percent....