Agriculture & Food

From the beginning of this year to July, Thailand’s cumulative shrimp production reached 138,733 tons, including 12,900 tons of vannamei shrimp and 9,632 tons of black tiger shrimp. In addition, Ecuador exported 3,973 tons of vannamei shrimp to Thailand, valued at US$23 million (Data source: Thailand Bureau of Fisheries). The Thai industry predicts that Thai shrimp production will reach 320,000 tons in 2022 (about 280,000 tons in 2021) and recover to 400,000 tons in 2023.

Among the Asian shrimp farming countries, Thailand's production growth rate is relatively slow. According to government data, the country currently has about 30,000 shrimp farms covering 96,700 hectares. The Thai shrimp industry has only just recovered from the Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) disease. Local production often cannot meet the needs of processing plants. Therefore, many Ecuadorian and Indian raw materials flow into Thailand. The industry predicts that 10,500 tons of Indian and Ecuadorian white shrimp will enter Thailand this year. processing plant.

However, this phenomenon has led to strong dissatisfaction with local shrimp farmers in Thailand. Aksorn Kajornkanjanakul, chairman of the Thailand Shrimp Industry Development Club, said: "Importing raw materials from Ecuador will damage the Thai industry on many levels. Imported shrimp are processed and exported under 'bonded warehouse' conditions, which will inevitably affect the market image of Thai shrimp, as Thai shrimp exports are almost exclusively exported. Relying on local products to maintain a reputation for food safety and quality.”

In March 2021, Thailand suspended the import of Ecuadorian white shrimp due to the epidemic prevention policy, but then the import ban was lifted in April this year under the negotiation of the Ecuadorian government. Diana Poveda, Ecuador's Deputy Minister of Quality and Safety, said: "Ecuador's shrimp exports to Thailand will continue to grow, and the Ecuadorian shrimp industry will work to maintain supply, control quality safety and traceability."

Initially, only 36 Ecuadorian manufacturers were granted the qualification to export to Thailand. With the efforts of the Ecuadorian government, the number increased to 133 by June 7.

Kajornkanjanakul said: "The government's decision really shocked the Thai industry. Importing Ecuadorian shrimp not only affects Thailand's image, but also may introduce foreign diseases into Thailand. Since 2010, EMS has plagued Thailand's aquaculture industry, reducing production to one-third. One or so, until the last two years to reply."

“Our farmers have been working hard to develop sustainable and high standard aquaculture systems to create value-added products. Opening up shrimp imports will lead to lower domestic prices and destroy the industry in the short and long term. The government should find ways to protect shrimp farmers Instead of isolating the industry!" said Kajornkanjanakul.