Thailand Orders Tighter Checks on Chinese Imports Amid Quality Concerns

[webfact]

File photo courtesy: Banmuang

 

The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) has been instructed by the Ministry of Industry to intensify quality inspections on more than 1,000 Chinese-made products sold online in Thailand. This move comes as local industrialists voice concerns over the impact of substandard and cheap imports from China on domestic markets.

 

Industry Minister Pimpatra Wichaikul announced that the government is also considering imposing taxes on E-commerce dealing with Chinese products. The aim is to create a level playing field for local producers who currently shoulder tax obligations that their Chinese competitors do not.

 

Between last September and July this year, TISI seized substandard goods worth over 300 million baht, with about 29%—valued at roughly 92 million baht—originating from China. TISI Secretary-General Wanchai Panomchai highlighted that an additional 1,400 products have been added to the list subject to quality standards, expanding the list from the existing 2,722 items, to ensure public safety.

 

TISI officials have also been engaging with delivery services to educate them on legal and customs requirements to curb the influx of substandard goods.

 

The quality and pricing of Chinese fresh produce, arriving via the China-Laos high-speed train, are attracting Thai consumers and significantly affecting local farmers. Nakhon Ratchasima's fresh markets are witnessing a surge in Chinese fruits and vegetables, offering better quality and lower prices compared to local produce.

 

Sa-ngad Sardmaroeng, a greengrocer at Mae Kim Heng fresh market, noted the economic advantage of Chinese vegetables, which are cheaper, more varied, and available year-round. She mentioned that a pack of Origi mushrooms costs her just 10 baht, allowing her to sell it for 20 baht, a deal local farmers struggle to match.

 

Chinese imports, which arrive within a day via the high-speed train, are priced approximately 50% lower than local products. This price gap is a significant factor driving consumer preference, potentially undermining Thai agricultural businesses.

 

In summary, the Thai government is stepping up efforts to regulate the quality and fair trade of Chinese imports, aiming to protect domestic industries.

 

-- 2024-08-15

 

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[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The aim is to create a level playing field for local producers who currently shoulder tax obligations that their Chinese competitors do not.

FTA's don't always work-out the way you want... Thailand playing a no-competition game.

[Tropicalevo]

Erm please note Thailand - you get what you pay for.

Buy cheap, get cheap.

[khunjeff]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Nakhon Ratchasima's fresh markets are witnessing a surge in Chinese fruits and vegetables, offering better quality and lower prices compared to local produce.

 

Certainly can't allow that 🙄

[nakhonandy]

Thailand will find it next to impossible to stop this.

[Burma Bill]

4 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Erm please note Thailand - you get what you pay for.

Buy cheap, get cheap.

 

Yes indeed and I certainly learnt my lesson some years ago when I purchased a new Haier (Chinese) refrigerator. After a few weeks, the freezer compartment door broke and I could not get a replacment anywhere.  Gave me hassle for a couple of years before I moved to Cambodia.

[PETERTHEEATER]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

Chinese imports, which arrive within a day via the high-speed train,

Yes, but not into Thailand. Into Laos, offloaded and transhipped into Thailand.

[John Drake]

I wonder what a Chinese consumer item tidal wave will do to something like Zebra Kitchenware. It is legitimately one the best made products not only in Thailand but elsewhere. I have lots of their stuff. And few things compare.