News African swine fever
Thailand reopens borders for German pork
German pork can be exported to Thailand again. The Thai border was closed when it became known that Germany was struggling with African Swine Fever (ASF), but pork deliveries to the country are now possible again.
After AVP first appeared in Brandenburg, many countries immediately closed the borders to German pork. Last Friday, the interest group for German pig farmers (ISN) reported that it is possible to export to Thailand again. The ban on the import of German pork has expired and will not be extended.
A regionalization principle is agreed upon, which means that exports may only be made from AVP-free areas. Access only applies to companies that already had a license to export to Thailand prior to the ban.
Small volume, big step
Despite the fact that the Thai market accounts for only about 1% of total pork exports to third countries, it is a step in the right direction for the German market. The German 'schweinesteau' is still very high and any degree of relief is welcome. The Asian markets are mainly important for the sale of by-products such as pig ears and legs, which can hardly be sold within Europe.
The Chinese market accounts for a much larger percentage of German pork exports, but attempts by the German agriculture minister to reach a regionalization agreement there have not yet been successful. Japan has recently been come to an agreement with Hungary to import from AVP-free areas and that may also offer opportunities for the German market. It should be noted that negotiations took place about 2 years prior to the agreement between Japan and Hungary, so a result in the short term is not obvious.
Chanti Oussoren
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