Bangkok--Feb 2--Surat Thani Shrimp Association
President of Surat Thani Shrimp Association, Mr. Aekapoj Yodpinij, disclosed that in recent FTA meeting between the US and Thai governments, US trade representative informed that Continuous Bond on Thai shrimp imports will be lifted within 60 days and had requested the Thai government to delay filing law suit against the US government. Mr. Aekapoj said this was a ploy of the US government to fool Thailand in hope to get favorable results on the FTA negotiation. He warned the Thai government not to fall into US’s trap and urged the Government to file suit with the World Trade Organization as continuous bond is double taxing and against the WTO regulations.
“FTA is a matter between the two governments whereas Continuous Bond is a treacherous measure set up by the US Customs. If the US government is really sincere, this measure could be abolished. However, the US government was using the Continuous Bond as a bargaining tool to open free trade with Thailand on sensitive areas such as financing and banking. This is the most hideous act, trying to use Continuous Bond in the FTA negotiation. It clearly demonstrates US’s insincerity and selfishness. Don’t let the US fool and cheat us any more. We, the Thai shrimp farmers, would like the Government to please urgently proceed with the filing of law suit with WTO. This double taxing is an illegal act of the US against WTO regulations. Besides the 5.95% cash deposit on every shrimp shipment from Thailand, an advance continuous bond of insurmountable amount must be placed. It is not clear as to when the money could be returned, minimum is at least 3 years. It is said the bond will be collected from the importers but they also pass the responsibility to the exporters. With the money tied up in the Continuous Bond, who will have money to buy shrimp? In the end, who will suffer, if not us the shrimp farmers. Can we still consider the US our great friend? Please do not delay filing suit as requested by the US. They are not as sincere as we’d think,” Mr. Aekapoj said.
During January — November 2005, US shrimp imports totaled 475,409 metric tons Compared to the November imports of last year, this is a reduction of 4,156 metric tons or 6.5%. The US imported lower quantity from major producing countries namely China, Thailand and India. Compared November 2005 import figures to November 2004, we see a significant decrease of 43.6%, 7.5% and 19.7% respectively. Shrimp consumption per capita of American expected to be more than 4 pounds in 2005.
For more information please contact:
Mr. Aekapoj Yodpinij
President, Surat Thani Shrimp Association
Tel. 01-9566611 End.