Commerce and poultry meat exporters are to meet to brainstorm the issue this week, according to Thailand's The Nation.

Thailand is a major exporter of chicken meat to EU markets but the adjustment could cause difficulties for exports to this market, a senior ministry source said yesterday.

The EU recently informed the World Trade Organisation (WTO) that it would change import duties on eight poultry items such as duck and goose liver, processed chicken, raw duck, goose and guinea chicken, and processed duck, goose and guinea chicken.

The EU has not yet decided if it will increase tariffs or limit import quotas. The ministry will keep close tabs on the import policy changes in order to quickly seek compensation for losses in case Thailand's export volume drops to the EU market, the source said.

The Foreign Trade Department is due to meet with chicken exporters and other agencies this week to brainstorm a rapid response.

The ministry will ask for Cabinet and parliamentary approval to negotiate with the EU.

Thailand's exports of eight items to the EU were worth €96.1 million (4.8 billion baht; THB) last year, according to The Nation.