Thailand will ban imports of corn for animal feed that has been produced from agricultural burning, according to a Bloomberg report.
Beginning January 1, 2026, feed mills will have to present proof that imported corn is from burn-free sources, Duangarthit Nidhi-u-tai, deputy director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, told reporters. The move aims to curb pollution and create a pathway for purchases from the United States.
“Bangkok and other parts of Thailand periodically suffer heavy smog, with poor air quality sometimes forcing schools to close,” Bloomberg reported. “The corn rule has been billed as a sustainable way to fight air pollution, but it is also seen as a step towards opening imports from the U.S., the world’s largest corn producer, as part of pledges to give Washington greater market access in exchange for a tariff deal.”
During the transitional period beginning January 1, imports of feed corn may be certified by importers, state agencies from exporting countries or international organizations. After the country’s Clean Air Act comes into effect, the government will implement stricter regulations and require more details from importers.
Agricultural burning involves cutting and burning of forested or wooded areas to create a field. The downed vegetation is left to dry and then burned.
