Farmers protest against plan to allow US maize and pork into Thailand

Pig breeders, maize farmers and traders are crying foul over the government’s plan to allow the importation of US maize, pork and pork offal, as part of a bargain for lower tariffs on Thai products entering the US market.

About 1,000 pig breeders plan to gather at the Ministry of Finance this morning, to voice their concern over the government’s plan. Later, they will march to the Ministry of Agriculture, to thank Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat for her reported vow to protect the interests of Thai agriculturalists.

The Trump Administration has announced 36% reciprocal tariffs on Thai exports to US. Yesterday, however, it ordered a 90-day pause in the imposition of higher tariffs on more than 70 countries, but excluding China.

Banchong Tangjitwattanakul, president of the Thai Rice Millers Association, said that Thailand produces sufficient maize and other agricultural produce for animal feed and there is no need for imports.

Moreover, he said that Thai farm produce, such as rice, maize and tapioca, are seeing steadily falling prices and importation of US maize would further suppress the prices of the Thai crops, which are used as animal feed.

He also said that US maize is genetically modified, which is not accepted in Thailand.

Pote Aramwattananont, of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, proposes that the government finds new markets for Thai exports, instead of relying so heavily on the US.