Bangkok, April 7, 2025 – The Swine Raisers Association of Thailand (SRAT) has issued a stern warning against a proposed plan to import pork from the United States, arguing that it could devastate the country’s domestic pork industry and ultimately harm consumers. The association’s opposition comes as Thailand faces pressure to address its trade surplus with the U.S., amid escalating tariff disputes and calls for greater market access.
The SRAT contends that allowing U.S. pork into Thailand would trigger a domino effect across the nation’s agricultural sector. Local pig farmers, already grappling with rising costs and past challenges like African Swine Fever, could be driven out of business by cheaper American imports. This, in turn, would slash demand for animal feed, leaving crop farmers—who grow corn and soybeans—and feed manufacturers without a market. “The entire supply chain could collapse,” a spokesperson for the SRAT cautioned.
The association pointed to the Philippines as a stark warning. After opening its markets to U.S. pork, the country saw its local pig farming industry shrink, only for pork prices to surge by 15% to 30%, burdening consumers. 
The debate is unfolding against a backdrop of strained U.S.-Thailand trade relations. Recent U.S. tariffs, including a reported 36% levy on some Thai exports, have fueled speculation that Thailand might relax its import restrictions to ease tensions. While the SRAT supports importing U.S. raw materials like corn and soybeans to lower feed costs for Thai farmers, it draws a firm line at pork, viewing it as an existential threat to the industry.
Thailand’s pork sector has long been a cornerstone of its agricultural economy, supporting millions of livelihoods and meeting robust domestic demand. Past efforts to shield it from smuggled pork and disease outbreaks have reinforced a protective stance on imports. 
Photos: Food markets, including pork sellers, in Pattaya Thailand, by Adam Judd
Photos: Food markets, including pork sellers, in Pattaya Thailand, by Adam Judd
