USDA-FAS GAIN Report TH2023-0053 released on September 7th provides an overview of the broiler industry in Thailand. During 2023, production will increase by 1.2 percent over 2022 to attain 3.450 million metric tons (7,590 million lbs.). Of this quantity, 31.5 percent will be exported, up 6.8 percent from 2022 to 1.09 million metric tons (2,398 million lbs.). Assuming a population of 72 million, domestic consumption will be 71.5 lbs. per capita. Expansion of the industry is limited by static demand with the hotel and restaurant sector still impacted by reduced tourism as an overhang of COVID and fewer visitors from China. Feed costs have increased by approximately 10 percent from 2022 further reducing margins and depressing expansion.
Thailand is a significant exporter to Japan based on the relatively low cost of labor-intensive prepared products.