Japan quake to have slight impact on Thai farm exports

BANGKOK, March 16 (TNA) - Thai Agricultural and Cooperatives Minister Theera Wongsamut has admitted that exports of some Thai agricultural products will face a minor hiccup from Japan’s devastating disaster last Friday, but it is likely just in a short term.

When acknowledging the setback on Thai exports in the wake of the March 11 destructive earthquake and tsunami in Japan's northeastern region, where major trade ports are located, Theera said that he expects Japan’s overall imports to drop for some time, resulting in lower demand for Thai rubber with reduced prices in particular.

Theera noted that the market for Thai exports of decorative flowers, particularly orchids, have so far been paralysed by several airport closures in northeast Japan. However, he said a rise in Thai livestock exports has been anticipated, particularly those of frozen chickens.

The Thai agriculture and cooperatives minister assured that his team will continue to monitor developments in Japan closely, insisting that the fall in Thai exports to Japan should be only for a short period. (TNA)