Thailand’s exports, which are a major engine of the country’s economic development, increased 9.9% year on year in April, according to figures released on Friday.

According to figures issued by the country’s Ministry of Commerce, growth slowed from an increase of 19.5 percent in March, falling below market expectations of 14.6 percent.

According to the government, the country’s exports have increased for the 14th month in a row, although there has been pressure from the Russia-Ukraine war.

Exports are likely to grow further in 2022, according to the ministry, as agricultural and food product exports are on the rise, and the baht is falling, which helps boost exports. It also cautioned about risks such as growing prices in key trading partners, which might stifle exports.

In April, the country’s imports surged 21.5 percent year on year, above market expectations of 16.4 percent and resulting in a trade imbalance of 1.91 billion dollars.

According to the government, exports increased 13.7 percent year over year in January-April, while imports increased 19.2 percent.