Commerce Ministry says pork prices are ‘bringing home the bacon’

The Thai Ministry of Commerce has addressed concerns raised by Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan regarding the high cost of pork in Thailand compared to imported pork.

This issue has led to significant expenses for consumers. Consequently, the ministry has instructed the Internal Trade Department to collaborate with relevant agencies to find solutions that balance and make the entire pricing chain fairer.

Currently, there are no plans to import pork revealed Ministry of Commerce spokesperson Witthaya Maneenate. Instead, the focus is on resolving domestic issues to prevent the public from bearing the burden of excessively high pork prices.

The government and Commerce Minister Pichai have expressed concern over the high price structure of pork in Thailand, which surpasses that of foreign pork products. They have directed the Internal Trade Department to work with both public and private sector agencies to scrutinise the entire price structure.

This includes examining the costs of piglets, feed prices, and various management practices in pig farming. The goal is to enable producers, slaughterhouses, and processors across the supply chain to reduce costs and remain competitive.

Any potential cost-saving measures that could lower prices and alleviate the financial burden on the public must be promptly reported to the minister. Pichai has emphasised that there is no current consideration for pork imports; the priority is to ensure that the public does not suffer from high pork prices.

Currently, the average price of live pigs at the farm is 72.3 baht per kilogramme while domestic pork averages 133.94 baht per kilogramme. The ministry’s directives aim to review and potentially revise various aspects of the pork supply chain to identify opportunities for cost reduction.

The ministry’s initiative comes amid growing public concern over rising food costs, which have put a strain on household budgets. By examining the detailed costs involved in pig farming and pork production, the government hopes to find sustainable solutions that will benefit both producers and consumers.

The aim is to ensure that the food supply chain operates efficiently and that pork remains affordable for Thai consumers.

In addition, the ministry has urged relevant agencies to quickly propose measures to reduce production costs. The focus is on implementing strategies that will have a positive impact on consumers, ensuring that any cost reductions are passed on to the public, reported KhaoSod.