Thai pet food industry responds to address temporary US export ban

Thai pet food, fish meal and fish oil products have been added to the US Department of Labor’s 2024 report that lists goods produced using child labor or forced labor, resulting in a trade blacklisting.

The designation under the 2005 Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) and List of Products Produced by Forced or Indentured Child Labor mandated by Executive Order 13126 is expected to impact Thailand’s exports to the US, valued at over $1 billion (€921.1M) each year.

Thai agencies have reportedly challenged the US government’s report findings, describing them as inaccurate and affirming evidence to support their position. Other products listed by the TVPRA include shrimp, fish, sugarcane, clothing and media.

The response

The country’s Labor Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, has responded by establishing a committee to address accusations related to these 3 products.

This task force, instructed to coordinate with industry stakeholders, will develop measures to remove Thai products from the US blacklist and ensure that the country’s exports adhere to international labor standards.

The Thai Pet Food Trade Association (TPFA) and the Thai Tuna Industry Association are actively involved with the newly established committee to provide a response.

Their role is to ensure that production processes meet global labor guidelines, combat labor abuse and uphold ethical standards to safeguard the industry’s reputation and retain access to the American market.

According to the TPFA, Thailand exported approximately $595 million (€548M) in dog and cat food to the United States last year. For 2024, the country has set a target of $2.5 billion (€1.3B) in pet food exports.