August 6, 2009

Thailand's Commerce Ministry is closely monitoring the EU's revision of poultry tariffs, as it could cause problems for the Thai chicken industry in the future.

 

Thailand is a major poultry supplier for EU markets, and the adjustment could cause export difficulties, said a senior ministry source on Monday (Aug 3).

 

The EU has recently informed the World Trade Organisation (WTO) that it would change import duties on eight poultry items, including duck and goose liver, processed chicken, raw duck, goose and guinea chicken, and processed duck, goose and guinea chicken.

 

The EU has not yet decided if it will increase tariffs or limit import quotas, but the ministry will keep a close watch on the import policy changes so it could quickly seek compensation for losses in case Thailand's export volumes to the EU drops, the source said.

 

The Foreign Trade Department will also meet with chicken exporters and other agencies to draw up a rapid response plan, while the ministry will ask for Cabinet and parliamentary approval to negotiate with the EU.

 

Thailand's exports of the mentioned eight items to the EU were valued at US$141 million last year.