As a result of the world financial crisis, Thailand's canned sweet corn, like many other food products, has suffered a drop in demand, and prices are likely to be forced to fall, according to industry sources.

 

It is estimated that the dry climate will affect the supply of pineapple in Thailand, and may also have adverse effects on sweet corn and other crops.

 

But industry insiders argue that the main threat to Thailand's sweet corn industry is not a climate problem; it is a recession in the world economy and an anti-dumping review by the European Commission.

 

The world's sluggish financial situation has undoubtedly led to a decline in demand, especially in Russia, and worse than one industry insider has pointed out, Russia's decline in demand is particularly severe.

 

Russia's consumption is facing a weak ruble and its stock market has fallen by 80% from its past peak, so it will take time for sweet corn to reappear at their dinner tables.

 

Russian importers have cancelled their food import contracts, and the number of canned Thai sweet corn imports is dwindling.

 

In 2006, Russia was the largest importing of sweet corn in Thailand.

 

In the past two years, Russia's imports of canned sweet corn have remained second only to Britain's.

 

In 2008, Russia imported an average of 1,500 to 2,000 tons of canned sweet corn per month from Thailand.

 

However, Russia's imports of canned sweet corn from Thailand fell to 180 and 470 tons in November and December 2008, respectively.

 

However, in January 2009, Russia imported only 140 tons of canned Thai sweet corn, making Russia quickly retreat to 16th place as a Thai importer.

 

However, in the same period of 2008, Russia imported 1,530 tons of canned sweet corn from Thailand; in January 2007, Russia's imports remained at 1,430 tons.

 

Currency effect

 

Of course, such problems exist not only in Russia.

 

Demand has fallen dramatically as a result of the global recession and currency problems, including some economically developed countries, such as Britain's currency against the dollar.

 

Even if buyers need to buy, they are looking forward to buying goods at lower prices; importers in all countries are looking for the lowest price and the best quality products, and the conditions required for delivery, service and other aspects are good.

 

With regard to the EU's anti-dumping review of Thailand's canned sweet corn exports, the European Commission has recently sent a delegation to Thailand, visiting some of the major production and processing plants there, and both sides have held talks.

 

Some people believe that the focus of the discussion between the EU delegation and the Thai side is on discussing price problems rather than anti-dumping issues.