Thailand considers suspending grain import curbs over animal feed shortage

Thailand’s commerce ministry proposed new measures on Monday to boost imports of animal feed ingredients for a three-month period, a move aimed at shoring up domestic supplies following disruption caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Thai feed mills have complained for months of a shortage of grains used in animal feed mix, such as wheat and corn, urging the government to ease import controls designed to protect local farmers.

Russia and Ukraine together account for about 29% of global wheat exports and 19% of corn exports, but the conflict has led to tightened supply.

Thai commerce minister, Jurin Laksanawisit, told a news conference one measure proposed was to temporarily suspend controls on wheat imports from May to July.

At present, feed mills must source their corn with a ratio of 3-1 in favour of domestic suppliers to earn a quota to import wheat.

Another planned measure will ease controls on corn imports, allowing up to 600,000 tonnes to be brought in, free of the 20% duty, over the same period. That would be up from 54,700 tonnes, added Jurin, who is also a deputy prime minister.

The ministry will propose to the cabinet that up to 1.2 million tonnes of animal feed ingredients, including corn, wheat and barley, be allowed over the three-month period, Jurin said.

Tags: Grains, wheat, Thailand, measures, shortage, animal feed, Ukraine, feed mills, Russia, exports, импорт, corn