Thai Commerce Ministry urges egg export cuts to secure domestic supply
The Commerce Ministry requests a 30–50% cut in egg exports for about two to three weeks and links vegetable growers to markets ahead of the Vegetarian Festival.
- Thailand's Commerce Ministry has asked exporters to cut egg shipments by 30-50% for two to three weeks.
- The measure aims to secure domestic supply and combat rising prices caused by widespread flooding that has disrupted production and transport.
- To further maintain output, egg farmers have also been asked to keep their laying hens in production for a longer period.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has asked exporters to reduce egg shipments by 30–50% for about two to three weeks to prioritise domestic consumption, with supplies tightening and prices rising in some areas amid flooding.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun told Nation Group media outlets that the Department of Internal Trade had discussed the measures with the Layer Farmer Association, wholesalers, department stores and farmers’ representatives.
Egg farmers have also been asked to keep laying hens in production for longer to maintain output while flooding disrupts production and transport.
Suphajee said the duration of shortages remained uncertain because it depended on flood conditions and the weather.
With more than 30 provinces affected, information from the Thai Meteorological Department and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is being closely monitored.
As flooding affects vegetable-growing areas in several provinces, the department is stepping up direct coordination with producers and farmers to supply major wholesale markets such as Simummuang Market.
Produce is then distributed to fresh markets and outlets nationwide, with particular attention to meeting demand during the forthcoming Vegetarian Festival.
The department is also monitoring consumer goods supply chains in retail and wholesale stores and fresh markets to prevent shortages and hoarding.
Inspections of distribution centres in Bang Bua Thong and Wang Noi found that staffing was being managed and delivery runs to sales outlets were being increased.
Wholesale and retail chains have been asked to keep reserve stocks at nearby branches unaffected by flooding so that goods can be sent immediately to disaster-hit areas.
