There is a poultry shortage in Thailand

Thailand's high covid-19 infection rate is taking a toll on the poultry industry, one of the most profitable sectors in the country. At the end of July, 3,000 workers were infected with the CORONAVIRUS at one of the largest poultry enterprises in the country, and the enterprise was quarantined. In addition, other processing plants in the country have reduced their operations since mid-June to ensure the safety of staff.

According to a source cited by the Global Times newspaper, this has led to a shortage of poultry MEAT in the Thai market, and as a result, a sharp increase in prices by at least $ 500 per ton.  CHINA , one of the largest EXPORT markets for Thai chicken meat, is stepping up controls and restrictions on suppliers facing COVID-19 outbreaks.

“Due to the recent outbreaks of COVID-19 in China, the regulatory department has tightened the supervision and inspection of imported meat and increased the level of disinfection processes. Many restaurants do not want to use imported chicken meat. We still have stock for quarterly orders, but there is no new supply source,” said a Chinese trader.

According to the latest statistics from the Broiler Exporters Association, Thai chicken imports to China rose by 82% last year. China 's import volume has increased significantly every year since China resumed importing frozen chicken meat from Thailand again in March 2018.

In 2019, China imported 65,420 tons of chicken products from Thailand worth more than 5.6 billion baht ($170 million), up 252% from 2018. At present, China has become the second largest export market for Thai frozen chicken products after Japan.