July 22, 2020

Thai swine farmers to sell cheaper pork to consumers

The Thai National Swine Farmers Association organised the "Pork against Covid" fair to sell fresh pork at THB 130 (~US$4.11) per kg, lower than current prices at local markets, The Nation Thailand reported.

Association president Wiwat Phongwiwatthanachai said the fair aims to ease the public's financial burden, with pork sold direct to consumers from the farm.

The first fair at Chonburi has kicked off on July 21, with future fairs planned for other Thai provinces on August 7.

The Thailand Commerce Ministry had agreed with domestic swine breeders to set a ceiling price on live swine at THB 80 (~US$2.53; THB 10 = US$0.32) per kgwhich will result in market pork prices lower than THB 160 (~US$5.05). Pork exports may be restricted if prices exceed that level.

Pork prices in Thailand have gone up due to higher domestic demand from the meat post-COVID-19 lockdown plus increased exports to China, Laos and Vietnam. The latter three countries have been badly hit by African swine fever (ASF),decimating local supplies of the meat.

Wiwat said farmers are trying to maintain live swine prices at THB 78 - THB 79 (US$2.46 - US$2.49) per kg, but costs have gone up to THB 71 (~US$2.24). Swine raising costs have gone up to between THB 100 - THB 200 (~US$3.16 - US$6.32) per swine as farmers have been forced to implement biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of ASF.

The association is also working with Thailand's Department of Internal Trade to sell low priced pork at the Commerce Ministry's Blue Flag shops and Makro retail stores around the country until end-August.

-      The Nation Thailand