Chart of the Day: Electronic NODX 5.3% recovery still faces downtrend

It is seen to slow down due to a high base effect and the winding down of the smartphone super-cycle.

This chart from RHB Research shows electronic NODX in 2017 tumbled 5.3% YoY, dragged by declining shipments of semiconductors and parts of personal computers as well as slowing exports of PCs and telecommunications equipment.

The broker expects electronic NODX to slow down, dragged by a high base effect and the winding down of the smartphone super-cycle.

RHB analysts said, "However, increased production of smartphone antenna chips and non-electronic NODX should provide some support, in particular the pharmaceuticals and capital goods segments."

Meanwhile, non-electronic NODX growth eased to 6.8% YoY. Petrochemical exports contracted, offsetting a pick-up in pharmaceutical sales.