Bangkok: The Department of Livestock Development has clarified that China's request to open its market for poultry meat to Thailand has not yet reached the stage of granting import permission. According to Thai News Agency, the department highlighted that China's intention to export frozen poultry meat, cooked poultry meat, and poultry by-products to Thailand is still in the initial stages of inspection and risk assessment. The department emphasized the importance of prioritizing consumer safety, the interests of farmers, and national interests.
The spokesperson team from the Department of Livestock Development issued a statement indicating an official letter was received from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) through the Agricultural Counselor's Office in Beijing, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, on January 27, 2026. The letter expressed GACC's interest in exporting poultry meat and by-products such as chicken liver and foie gras to Thailand. This process aligns with the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework, ensuring free and fair trade among partners. The request is currently under initial review, with the Department of Livestock Development seeking additional scientific data from China to verify industry facts and assess risks, adhering to Thai law and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards.
The Department of Livestock Development reiterated that the process is far from granting import permits, requiring further safety assessments, including evaluations of animal disease risks like avian influenza and testing for harmful residues. This thorough process is crucial due to Thailand's world-class poultry industry. Moreover, even after scientific assessments, the department must engage in public consultations with farmer organizations, cooperatives, associations, stakeholders, and relevant government agencies before moving to the next stage of consideration as per regulations.
Thailand's poultry industry is projected to produce approximately 3.82 million tons of poultry meat and products annually by 2025, with exports of about 1.34 million tons of chilled, frozen, and cooked poultry meat and products per year, valued over 168 billion baht. This showcases the Thai poultry industry's global market standards. The Department of Livestock Development assures adherence to scientific principles and international animal hygiene standards, focusing on consumer safety and the best interests of Thai farmers and the nation.