US challenges Thai rice policy

Published: 10 Nov 2012 at 19.21
Online news: News

The United States will challenge Thailand over what it terms rice subsidies at the World Trade Organization next week, Reuters has reported.

Washington is worried that more rice now in government stockpiles could end up on the world market and depress prices, hurting US exporters.

Under its pledging programme, which pays farmers about 40% more than market prices, the government has effectively become the only rice buyer in the country.

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jacksprat
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Discussion 13 : 10 Nov 2012 at 22.5313
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How dare they! Time for the red shirts to march on the US embassy.
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ringmaster
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Discussion 12 : 10 Nov 2012 at 22.1212
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The US government subsidizes its rice farmers as well. They're only looking after themselves - nothing wrong with that but the sword they swing at the WTO is blunt.
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onlyme
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Discussion 11 : 10 Nov 2012 at 22.0311
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Johnb - I accept that many first world countries do provide subsidies to prop up prices but none are centered on single crops and not one of those countries has a heavy reliance on farm produce exports. In comparison to GDP the first world countries are a drop in the bucket on these subsidies. Please give a comparison of percent of income taxpayers versus subsidies to be valid.
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nowayout
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Discussion 10 : 10 Nov 2012 at 21.4710
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Not a good idea for Thailand to be dumping rice now. The rains ended early and many provinces already declared disaster areas due to drought. Expect to see a very low crop this year.
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howell
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Discussion 9 : 10 Nov 2012 at 21.009
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'While Thailand is in danger of losing its decades-old title as the world's top rice exporter by volume, it should still emerge on top in terms of value, according to Mr Tikhumporn of the Foreign Trade Department'.

Lost top spot already. How can 40 % over market price be best value ?
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mitrapaap
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Discussion 8 : 10 Nov 2012 at 20.548
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What will the answer be? Maybe somthing like 'the WTO is not my brother!'
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The Dark Side
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Discussion 7 : 10 Nov 2012 at 20.257
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Is anyone surprised? Thailand is clearly not capable of duping anyone but their own people. Time for the Thai's to wake up and smell the rice. This issue is not going to just go away like TS thinks it is.
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johnb
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Discussion 6 : 10 Nov 2012 at 20.186
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"The U.S. Department of Agriculture distributes between $10 billion and $30 billion in cash subsidies to farmers and owners of farmland each year." Budget of the United States Government: FY2010, Historical Tables, Table 3.2
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bluebottle
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Discussion 5 : 10 Nov 2012 at 20.075
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I would not put it passed the government to try cooking the books to get America of its back.These are serious charges another hole they have dug themselves.
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enquirer
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Discussion 4 : 10 Nov 2012 at 19.574
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Can somebody tell me what business is it of the USA to poke it's nose into the affairs of Thailand ?
Thailand like any other nation can sell to whoever at whatever this price, this is called a free market.
Seems like the US is behaving like a crying baby with it's rattle taken away.
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US challenges Thai rice policy | Bangkok Post: business