Key facts
- Malaysia imposed a ban on five species of Thai shrimp imports on June 1.
- The ban was implemented due to apparent safety concerns.
- Malaysia also tightened import requirements for Thai sea bass.
- Thai shrimp farmers warn the ban could drive them out of business.
- The Thai seafood industry exports approximately 10,000 tonnes of shrimp to Malaysia each year.
Thai shrimp farmers are facing potential ruin after Malaysia implemented a ban on five species of shrimp imports, citing safety concerns. The temporary ban, effective June 1, also includes tightened import requirements for Thai sea bass. This measure strikes a significant blow to Thailand's seafood industry, which annually exports around 10,000 tonnes of shrimp across its southern border. The farmers are already contending with disease outbreaks, intense competition, and the looming threat of renewed US tariffs, making the Malaysian ban a particularly damaging development.