Infoquest, (July 16, 2019) -- Thai exports of fresh and processed chicken totaled 390,000 tons in the first five months of 2019, up 15 percent from the same period of last year, according to the Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Association (TBPEA). TBPEA’s manager, Kukrit Arepagorn, attributed the rise to growth in demand from this country's exporting markets, especially China, which imported 25,000 tons of chicken products from Thailand in the period, up 1,462 percent from last year's 1,600 tons.
This drastic growth rate is mainly due to the fact that China has approved imports of Thai chicken for the first time in March 2018. Add to that, the African swine fever has hit this country and crippled its domestic pork production. Hence, China has seen a growing increase in meat exports, making it Thailand's third largest export market for fresh and processed chicken products.
"This is an opportunity for Thai enterprises to expand their exports to China. At present, only seven Thai factories have been certified by the Chinese side. Therefore, if we can invite relevant Chinese departments to Thailand to inspect and certify more factories, we can export more chicken to China," Kukrit said.
Thai exports of fresh and processed chicken to other countries also saw a rise, for example, the EU, which imported 138,000 tons of Thai chicken products in the first five months, up 8 percent. In particular, this rise happened at a time when EU countries’ importers worried about the potential uncertainties towards future and accelerated their imports before Brexit at the beginning of the year. Moreover, in order to catch up with the quota closing time in June, these exporters tend to speed up their delivery to the EU in May, hence a great number of orders of importing chicken from Thailand.
In addition to the EU countries, Thai exports of chicken to South Korea, Malaysia and Japan also increased by 59 percent, 60 percent and 1 percent respectively to 16,000 tons, 9,000 tons, and 171,000 tons.
On the basis, Mr. Kukrit is confident that Thailand is expected to reach the target of exporting at least 900,000 tons of chicken in 2019, but the export value may not see a remarkable rise. That's because the appreciation of the Thai baht whose exchange rate stands at 32 baht/ U.S. dollar now has offset the export revenue growth.
"During this period, the production and consumption of chicken products in Thailand will maintain a balance. And the price of chicken in Thailand this year is more encouraging than last year. As the price goes up, chicken farmers can earn more profits, getting them out of a tight spot of huge losses last year," added Mr. Kukrit.
In addition, he also highlighted the important role of the cooperation between government departments, industrial enterprises and chicken farmers during achieving the feat. They have introduced advanced technology to manage the production process, develop the traceability systems, control quality and promote continuous production to meet market demand, thus helping Thailand hold its global lead in chicken production and export.
Source: InfoQuest, by Kasamarporn Kittisamphan / Rachada, translated by Xinhua Silk Road Notice: No person, organization and/or company shall disseminate or broadcast the above article on Xinhua Silk Road website without prior permission by Xinhua Silk Road.
A single purchase
