Pig Farmers Plan Major Protest Against U.S. Pork Imports

Bangkok: The National Swine Raisers Association, representing 100 pig farmers, has taken a firm stand against the importation of pork products from the United States. The group submitted a letter to the government, emphasizing their opposition to importing both meat and offal, while proposing an alternative solution that could boost agricultural trade without harming local farmers. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sittipan Thanakiatpinyo, the association's president, announced plans to lead a delegation to the Prime Minister's Office Complaint Center. Their goal is to present their concerns directly to the Prime Minister and await outcomes from a crucial committee meeting on U.S. trade measures. The protest arises in response to the U.S. imposing a 36% import tariff on Thailand, set to take effect imminently. The submitted petition is addressed to key government figures, including the Prime Minister and ministers of Finance, Commerce, and Agriculture and Cooperatives. It reflects the stance of the "Livest ock and Aquaculture Federation," which unites pig and aquaculture farmers along with the animal feed sector. The association argues that importing U.S. pork could severely impact the Thai swine industry, already recovering from past crises like African Swine Fever and ongoing illegal pig smuggling. The association highlights the significant role of pigs in Thailand's economy, with an annual production exceeding 23 million pigs and contributing to a total industry GDP of 316.02 billion baht. They propose importing essential animal feed raw materials, such as corn and soybean meal, from the U.S. as a viable alternative. This move is expected to increase U.S. imports by approximately 84,000 million baht annually. The association expressed hope that the Thai government can negotiate with the U.S. to reduce the recently announced reciprocal tariff, suggesting that increased imports of animal feed could offer a balanced trade solution. They urge the government to prioritize successful negotiations to benefit the nation's economy.