On April 10, 2025, Thai pig breeders, maize farmers, and agricultural traders staged a protest against the government’s proposed plan to allow the import of US maize, pork, and pork offal. The move, intended to ease trade access for Thai goods into the United States, has sparked concern among domestic producers fearing economic and environmental repercussions.
The planned import arrangement is reportedly part of ongoing negotiations with the United States, aimed at reducing tariffs on Thai exports. However, agricultural groups argue that the importation of American maize and pork could severely impact local farming economies, especially as prices for staple crops such as rice, maize, and tapioca continue to decline in domestic markets.
Banchong Tangjitwattanakul, president of the Thai Rice Millers Association, emphasized that Thailand already produces adequate amounts of maize for animal feed and suggested that further imports are unnecessary. He also warned that the presence of genetically modified maize, commonly found in US produce, is incompatible with Thailand’s agricultural standards and public acceptance.
The Trump administration recently imposed a 36% reciprocal tariff on Thai goods entering the US. Though a 90-day delay has been granted on broader tariff increases affecting over 70 countries, this postponement does not apply to China and offers limited relief to Thai exporters in the interim.
Rather than expanding reliance on the US market, Pote Aramwattananont of the Thai Chamber of Commerce recommended diversifying Thailand’s trade partnerships and developing new export destinations.
Approximately 1,000 pig breeders were expected to gather outside the Ministry of Finance on Thursday morning to express their disapproval. Following the demonstration, protesters planned to march to the Ministry of Agriculture in support of Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat, who has reportedly committed to safeguarding the interests of Thailand’s agricultural sector.