Thailand Halts 600,000-Ton Corn Import Plan to Support Local Farmers

According to Khaosod Online, the Department of Internal Trade has officially cancelled a proposal to import 600,000 tons of animal feed corn from neighboring countries. Director-General Withayakorn Maneenetr stated that the decision follows an improvement in domestic corn production, which has allowed more local supply to enter the market.

For residents and those involved in the agricultural or food sectors, this move is intended to protect the livelihoods of Thai farmers by preventing an oversupply that could depress local prices. While this specific import plan is scrapped, the Ministry of Commerce maintains its existing WTO quota regulations. Businesses importing corn or substitute raw materials must continue to adhere to a '3:1' ratio, meaning they are required to purchase three parts of domestic corn for every one part imported. This policy aims to balance the needs of the animal feed industry with the output of local growers.

Additionally, the Ministry clarified that a separate 120,000-ton corn import from the United States is not a new quota but part of an existing framework, which also remains subject to the 3:1 purchase requirement. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supajee Suthumpun has directed the Department of Internal Trade to monitor imports closely to ensure they do not negatively impact domestic market prices. It remains to be seen how these strict regulatory measures will influence the long-term cost of animal feed products in the local market.