June 24, 2026
 

Thailand targets 1.2 million live cattle exports to China annually under China Merchants Group partnership

The Ministry of Agriculture is advancing plans for a dedicated quarantine hub at Bang Saphan port as negotiations with China's GACC near completion, with a first shipment targeted within one year.

Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is pushing to export 1.2 million live beef cattle to China annually, targeting shipments of 100,000 head per month by sea under a collaboration framework with leading Chinese enterprises affiliated with China Merchants Group.

Chai Watcharong, Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, chaired a joint meeting with the Department of Livestock Development, Thai private sector representatives and the Chinese company representatives to advance the export project. The government aims to complete the first live cattle export shipment to China within one year.

China currently imports approximately 2.7 million tonnes of beef annually, valued at between THB675,000-810,000 billion (approximately US$18.6-22.3 billion), requiring an equivalent of more than 13.5 million head of live cattle per year. Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture views the market as a significant opportunity to expand channels for Thai cattle farmers and raise farm incomes nationally. Plans are also in place to invest in additional high-standard slaughterhouses in Thailand to support the growth of the beef industry.

Negotiations with China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) on sanitary and veterinary safety requirements have progressed significantly, with outstanding issues reduced from more than 40 items to four key points, according to the Thai government.

The Bang Saphan port in Prachuap Khiri Khan province is being surveyed for development as a large-scale international-standard animal quarantine station to screen cattle before export, which the government said would strengthen Thailand's position as a regional livestock trade hub.