Thailand to lift tariffs and increase U.S. corn imports eighteenfold under new trade pact

feed industry. On November 12 (local time), Thailand’s cabinet approved an expansion of its annual U.S. corn import quota to 1 million metric tons, up from the previous 54,600 tons, while reducing the existing 20% tariff to zero. The sharp increase represents roughly an 18.3-fold expansion in allowable imports. A Thai government official explained, “This measure supports the nation’s feed industry by securing sufficient raw materials while upholding the trade commitments made during negotiations with the United States.” While opening its market to more U.S. corn, Thailand has also introduced measures to protect domestic growers. The government will limit the import period to February through June, avoiding overlap with the domestic harvest season, which typically falls in the fourth quarter. Additionally, feed manufacturers importing U.S. corn must purchase three times the imported volume in locally grown corn, ensuring continued demand for Thai agricultural products. Thailand ...