Thai Cabinet Approves Protocol with China for Export of Bee Products and Duck Parts
October, 20 2023
Dr. Somchuan Ratanamangkalanon, Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development (DLD), announced that the Thai Cabinet approved two draft protocols on October 10, 2023. These agreements were made between Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) to ensure veterinary food safety and plant protection standards for Thai agricultural exports to China.
The two agreements include:
- A new protocol on veterinary food safety and plant protection standards for the export of Thai bee products to China.
- An amended protocol on inspection, quarantine, and veterinary hygiene requirements for the export of frozen poultry meat and poultry parts from Thailand to China.
New Market Opportunity for Thai Bee Products
Until now, Thailand has only been able to export honey to China. However, with this new protocol, royal jelly and bee pollen will also be eligible for export for the first time.
The expected export value for bee products is projected to reach 100 million THB per year.
Expanded Poultry Exports to China
Thailand and China previously signed a protocol on August 24, 2018, allowing Thailand to export chicken, duck meat, and certain chicken parts to China.
The revised agreement now expands the scope of poultry exports by adding 18 more duck parts, including legs, wings, liver, gizzard, tongue, and beak, which are highly popular in China.
With this expansion, Thai duck part exports to China are expected to generate over 1 billion THB annually.
In 2022, Thailand’s frozen poultry and poultry parts exports to China were valued at 13 billion THB.
Strengthened Cooperation Between Thailand and China
Dr. Somchuan emphasized that the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) has been working closely with the GACC to ensure that Thai livestock products meet international food safety standards and China’s import regulations.
The successful signing of these agreements confirms China’s confidence in the quality and safety of Thai livestock products.
This development will expand market access, increase revenue, and further boost Thailand’s livestock and pet food exports to China, which already exceed 15 billion THB annually.