October 15, 2004

Thailand's Export of Cooked Chickens Shows Slight Growth

The export of cooked chickens in Thailand is expected to grow slightly this year. However frozen chicken exports are likely to plunge over 90% due to bird flu concerns in key export markets, according to Deputy Prime Minister Chaturon Chaisang.

Mr. Chaturon revealed that the country's export of cooked chickens was anticipated to grow by 6.79%, worth around Bt28 billion, at the end of this year.

However, the kingdom's export of frozen chickens could plummet as much as 93.7% this year, falling to Bt1.7 billion at the end of this year from Bt2.7 billion last year, he stated.

On average, the country's export of chickens would total around Bt22.5 billion at the end of the year, recording a drop of 51.8%.

The deputy prime minister attributed the significant decline in the country's chicken exports to fears of bird flu in key export markets, including Japan, which normally imports about 60% of Thai chicken exports.

Mr. Chaturon said that Tokyo would send its delegates to inspect Thailand's chicken processing plants. Details of the inspections have yet to be confirmed.

The Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are presently negotiating with the Japanese government with regards to the resumption of Thai chicken product imports in the near future.