Low shrimp prices mean Thailand output could drop 10-20% in 2018 : June 1, 2018
Tom Seaman: UndercurrentNews
A best-case scenario proposed by some who are more bullish in the sector in Thailand is parity with 2017, which was around 300,000 metric tons. Initially, the forecast had been for an increase to around 310,000t.
However, with the prices low and farmers struggling, the level for 2018 would be down between 10-20%. During an interview with Undercurrent News in the company’ Bangkok headquarters, Sunjint Thammasart, chief operating officer for Charoen Pokphand Foods’ aquaculture business, said the volume could be “plus or minus 10%” the level seen in 2017.
However, Satasap Viriyanantawanit, general manager of Siam Canadian Group, said it could be as much as “20% lower” than the original prediction, he told Undercurrent.
“We will see lower production because farmers harvest early to cut down the losses. Around 250,000t is my best guess. Nobody knows for sure, but we expect something around that.”
During the show, Undercurrent revealed there is a scheme in place to boost prices for farmers. For more on the plan, click here.