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China has implemented a comprehensive restriction on the import of all Thai syrups and pre-mixed sugar products, following the failure of 10 factories during the most recent safety and sanitation inspection conducted by Chinese officials.

The choice has raised concerns about widespread shutdowns and job losses within Thailand’s processed sugar industry.

Todsaporn Ruangpattananont, head of the Thai Sugar Product Association, mentioned yesterday that the Chinese General Administration of Customs (GACC) imposed the ban after factory inspections carried out from July to September.

GACC mentioned violations of food safety and manufacturing control standards, he stated.

The evaluations, organized by Thailand’s National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards, identified several issues, including poor hygiene management and improper separation between production and office spaces.

“None of the inspected factories met GACC’s requirements, even after significant investments to comply with the standards,” he stated.

This shutdown of every export route will result in the industry losing billions of baht.

The comprehensive ruling significantly restricts shipments in every category.

The GACC previously included the import of suspended syrups and pre-mixed sugar powders under two tariff codes in December 2024, leading Thai exporters to redirect their shipments through different classifications.

The updated regulations, which take effect on October 27, prohibit four more product codes to encompass all types of syrup, sugar mixtures, and associated formulations, while halting new registration requests for Thai manufacturers, according to Mr. Todsaporn.

The group cautioned that as many as 47 member companies within the association are now in danger, since China continues to be their primary export market.

“If the ban continues, it is anticipated that only three to five factories will stay open by the end of the year, as locating alternative markets to substitute China has turned out to be very challenging,” he stated.

He mentioned that the sector buys approximately 3.6 million tons of sugar each year for additional processing.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).