June 26, 2026
 

Thai Chamber of Commerce buys direct from shrimp farmers as Malaysia ban pushes prices down THB50-60/kg

Industry groups are purchasing more than 100 tonnes per day to stabilise domestic prices, while the Thai Shrimp Association warns farmers may reduce or suspend the upcoming production cycle.

The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and the Thai Frozen Foods Association have begun direct purchases of shrimp from farmers at a rate of more than 100 tonnes per day to mitigate the impact of Malaysia's suspension of Thai shrimp imports, which has pushed farm-gate prices down by THB50-60 per kilogramme since the ban took effect on 1 June.

Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman of the TCC, said the purchases are being coordinated through the chamber's Agricultural and Food Coordination and Public Relations Centre under an antibiotic-testing-before-auction programme, with the goal of maintaining price stability and market confidence domestically and internationally. He noted the suspension is affecting not only shrimp farmers but also related industries across the supply chain, including hatcheries, aquafeed manufacturers, cold storage operators, processing plants and exporters.

Ekapoj Yodpinit, President of the Thai Shrimp Association, estimated that before the suspension Thailand was exporting up to 100 tonnes of shrimp to Malaysia daily, or around 3,000 tonnes per month. He said a Malaysian source indicated Kuala Lumpur plans to expedite negotiations to resolve the dispute, as the suspension has adversely affected Malaysian restaurants reliant on Thai shrimp, with prices rising on the Malaysian side since the ban.

Ekapoj said shrimp supply is likely to decrease toward the end of June as the late shrimping season concludes. He warned that the combination of the export ban, ongoing disease challenges, lower orders from the US, Japan and China, and volatile production costs is leading farmers to consider reducing their next-cycle stocking or temporarily suspending operations. Thailand's shrimp farming cycle typically begins in June or July, with harvest 90-140 days later. The Thai Shrimp Association's earlier projection of exports exceeding 250,000 tonnes for 2026 — premised on production exceeding 400,000 tonnes — is now under review.

- Bangkok Post