Thailand is pushing forward to re-enter the Chinese market with dried seahorse.

Thailand is moving forward with negotiations to re-enter the Chinese market with “dried seahorse”. This follows the success of relevant agencies in enhancing commercial seahorse farming, creating new opportunities for farmers and fisheries operators, in line with Thailand’s bioeconomy development initiatives.

Thai-Chinese cooperation negotiations to promote high-value fishery products

Following the Thailand-China Plant and Animal Health Meeting, the two sides discussed measures for inspection, safety, and trade in fisheries to promote sustainable Thai products into the Chinese market.

One of the key issues is the proposal to reinstate Thailand’s dried seahorse into the list of permitted import raw materials, after exports were suspended since 2016 due to conservation concerns.

Thailand increases commercial seahorse farming potential

Although exports have been suspended for several years, global demand remains high, leading Thailand to develop a farming system that meets international standards.

• More than 20 breeding cases
• 5 people have actually developed their careers.
• 1 CITES certified farm
• In the process of requesting to add 2 more locations.

Reflecting Thailand’s readiness to return to exporting high-value fishery products

Seahorses: Economic aquatic animals with continuous market demand

Seahorses are listed on CITES Appendix II, where trade remains regulated to avoid impacting wild populations. Due to increased demand for their use in traditional medicines and body care products, there is a need for traceable aquaculture.

Preparation of NDFs data to confirm sustainability

Thailand has prepared Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs) to confirm that exports will not impact wild populations, an important piece of information for CITES consideration.

If China approves, Thailand has the opportunity to securely open new markets.

If China approves, Thailand will benefit in many ways, including:

• The seahorse market is recovering.
• Farmers have increased income
• Adding value to the fisheries economy
• Strengthening long-term Thai-Chinese cooperation

Thailand’s readiness in terms of standards and production potential makes “dried sea horse” another opportunity to generate sustainable income in the future.