Thailand’s shrimp industry is reeling from the latest blow to its once market-dominant business after Malaysia this week suspended imports from its northern neighbour, triggering fresh despair from a sector whose revenue has nosedived in the 15 years since it claimed the crown as the world’s largest exporter.Malaysia’s temporary ban on five shrimp species – as well as tightened import requirements for Thai sea bass – came into force on Monday.The trade row comes as Thailand’s fisheries sector is struck from all sides by increased competition, tariffs, shrimp disease, rising feed and fuel costs and reduced catch.According to the Thai Shrimp Association, Malaysia imports around 10,000 tonnes of Thai shrimp each year, much of it from the southern provinces given their extensive fishing industries and proximity to the Malaysian border.“Today, the Thai shrimp industry is at its lowest point,” Ekapoj Yodpinit, president of the Thai Shrimp Association, told This Week in Asia.He called on the Thai government to urgently discuss the issue with Malaysian counterparts.
‘Lowest point’: Thai shrimp industry reels from Malaysia import ban
The ban comes as Thailand’s embattled fisheries sector faces increased competition, tariffs, shrimp disease, rising costs and reduced catch.
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