Bangkok: The Cabinet has granted approval for the importation of animal feed raw materials, specifically soybean meal and fish meal, for the 2016-2017 period, outside of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), at a set price of 2,519 baht per ton. The decision includes full importation of fish meal with a protein content of 60% or more.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ayrin Phanrit, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced that the Cabinet has approved policy guidelines and measures for the importation of animal feed raw materials for 2026-2028, as recommended by the Food Policy Committee. This initiative aims to secure adequate, stable, and competitive raw materials for the country's livestock and animal feed sectors on the global stage. Thailand's domestic production of soybean meal and fishmeal falls short of meeting the demand from livestock and aquaculture industries, necessitating annual imports.
The Cabinet has sanctioned a three-year import policy for soybean meal from 2026 to 2028 under the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework. This includes a 2% tariff quota and access for 11 eligible importers, such as the Animal Feed Manufacturers Association and the Poultry and Swine Raisers Association. The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) will apply a 0% tariff, whereas countries outside the agreement will face a 6% tariff plus a special fee of 2,519 baht per ton. Eligible importers are required to purchase domestically produced soybean meal at a designated minimum price to support the local soybean oil extraction industry and farmers.
Regarding fishmeal, import measures remain consistent. Import permits are necessary for fishmeal with less than 60% protein content, while those with 60% or higher protein content can be imported without quantity restrictions under free trade agreements. Most imports will incur tariffs between 0-5%, except for countries outside the agreement, which can apply a maximum tariff of 15%. The government is optimistic that this policy will stabilize the Thai animal feed industry, ensuring sufficient raw materials at fair prices for farmers, aligning with the nation's "Stability, Prosperity, and Sustainability" food strategy.