Thai Shrimp exports to EU expected to increase in 2006

BANGKOK - The impact of the resumption of the GSP (General System of Preferences) is favourable to Thai shrimp exports, especially to Europe, President of the Thai Shrimp Association said on Monday.

In 2005 shrimp exports to the EU reached 11,686 tonnes compared to 8,001 tonnes in 2004, or a 46 per cent increase.

"The EU sympathised with Thailand regarding the suffering due to the disastrous tsunami," said Mr. Somsak Paneetatyasai.

Autonomous measures were employed to make the import duty on Thai shrimp products comparable to other shrimp producing countries--such as Vietnam, Indonesia and India--at 4.2 per cent for raw products and 7 per cent for cooked and prepared products.

In five month period from August through December 2005, shrimp exports to the EU grew by 76 per cent, from 4,233 tonnes to 7,343 tonnes.

In 2006 it is expected that the export volume could increase from 11,686 tonnes in 2005 to reach 30,000 tonnes, or about a 150 per cent increase, Mr. Somsak said.

Europe needs high quality shrimp which Thailand can provide, according to Mr. Somsak. "Our competitive advantage on quality will enable Thailand to enjoy a higher market share in the future."

Antidumping and continuous bond measures from earlier punitive measures against Thailand are still affecting exports to the United States and could mean a lower volume of shrimp exports to the US this year.

Source: ETNA MCOT