Bangkok: The "Pork Association" has expressed concerns over farm-gate pork prices, which remain depressed despite recovering consumer demand. The National Swine Breeders Association is closely monitoring the situation, as competitive pricing among expanding pork retailers may exert further pressure on the market.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Kiattipoom Phruksawan, Secretary-General of the National Swine Breeders Association, highlighted that farm-gate pork prices have significantly changed. Initially, there were fears of price increases, but the current trend shows a decline in prices, while the cost of pig farming, especially feed, continues to rise. The association has raised these concerns with the Department of Internal Trade, chaired by Mr. Jirawut Suwannach.
'At our first meeting, pork was priced at 68-70 baht per kilogram. Now, in certain areas, it has dropped to 54-58 baht per kilogram, while the cost of corn for animal feed has risen from 10.25 baht to 12.20-12.90 baht per kilogram,' Dr. Kiattipoom explained. This increase in corn prices, a major component of pig feed, has escalated the cost of raising pigs by 2-3 baht per kilogram, causing losses of 1,500-1,800 baht per pig for farmers.
Despite a recovery in pig consumption to around 65,000-66,000 pigs per day in May, near the first quarter's average, the association attributes the price pressure to intense competition among pork retailers. These retailers, which have become a major market channel, are affecting farm-gate prices, particularly for small-scale farmers.
Mr. Sittiphan Thanakiattipinyo, President of the National Swine Breeders Association, noted that efforts to raise farm-gate prices to about 70-72 baht per kilogram have been unsuccessful, even with improved consumption post-Songkran festival. The association's project to disrupt piglet production is ongoing, aiming to maintain market balance, but prices have yet to recover.
Mr. Sittiphan expressed concerns over possible external supply sources affecting market prices, indicating a need for further monitoring and investigation. The association reported that farm-gate prices in week 21 of 2026 were below production costs across various regions, with prices ranging from 56-66 baht per kilogram.
To address these issues, the association plans to send a letter to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to follow up on a pork smuggling case, fearing that smuggled pork may impact the price structure and competitiveness of local farmers.