Thailand’s National Pig Farmers Association has formally submitted a letter to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperative strongly opposing the opening of the country’s pork market to imports from the US.
The association expressed concerns about competitive trade fairness and consumer health.
Sitthiphan Thanakiatpinyo, President of the association, led a delegation of over 20 farmers to present the letter to Atthakorn Sirilattayakorn, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, reaffirming their firm stance against the proposed 1% market share allocation for US pork imports.
The letter raised two main concerns:
First, health and sanitary issues as well as trade fairness.
The association warned that if Thailand repeals the 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.
Second, foreign pressure and CODEX issues.
If Thailand repeals the existing law, it will fully concede to the 2012 CODEX decision. The US has pushed this issue to accuse Thailand of non-tariff barriers (NTBs).
In 2020, the US suspended Thailand’s GSP privileges citing pork trade barriers, pressured by US pig farmer groups (NPPC).
Therefore, the association proposed:
- 🐷 Absolute opposition to opening the pork market to US 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 US 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 US violates the National Treatment principle and risks public health.
Mr 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.