BANGKOK, Thailand – The National Pig Farmers’ Association has formally submitted a letter to the Minister of Agriculture strongly opposing the opening of Thailand’s pork market to imports from the United States. The association expressed concerns about competitive trade fairness and consumer health.
Mr. Sitthiphan Thanakiatpinyo, President of the National Pig Farmers’ Association, led a delegation of over 20 farmers to present the letter to Mr. Atthakorn Sirilattayakorn, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, reaffirming their firm stance against the proposed 1% market share allocation for U.S. pork imports.
The letter raised two main concerns:
- Health and sanitary issues as well as trade fairness. The association warned that if Thailand repeals Ministry of Public Health Notification No. 269 B.E. 2546, which bans beta-agonist residues (such as ractopamine) in food, it could harm public health. Thailand legally prohibits the use of beta-agonists in pig farming under the 2016 law. Allowing imports from countries that permit these substances would contradict the National Treatment principle in trade practice.
- Foreign pressure and CODEX issues. If Thailand repeals the existing law, it would fully concede to the 2012 CODEX decision. The U.S. has pushed this issue to accuse Thailand of non-tariff barriers (NTBs). In 2020, the U.S. suspended Thailand’s GSP privileges citing pork trade barriers, pressured by U.S. pig farmer groups (NPPC).
The association proposed:
-Absolute opposition to opening the pork market to U.S. imports.
-Requesting the government to file a “retroactive reservation” with CODEX to retain national law.
-Compensate by increasing imports of animal feed ingredients such as corn, wheat, and soybean meal from the U.S. instead of pork, benefiting both pig farmers and consumers without harming Thai corn farmers.
The association emphasized the need for a comprehensive government review to protect pig farmers and national food security. They reiterated that opening the pork market to the U.S. violates the National Treatment principle and risks public health.
Minister Atthakorn, after receiving the letter, expressed concern for farmers and stated the government aims to minimize trade agreement impacts on them. The proposals will be forwarded promptly to relevant agencies for consideration. (TNA)
