Thailand, Malaysia Clash Over Seafood Trade Curbs

A trade dispute between Malaysia and Thailand is escalating, with the latter saying it may raise the issue at the World Trade Organization.

The row began last month when Thailand stepped up testing of Malaysian seabass shipments at a major border crossing after authorities detected chemical and antibiotic residues. The additional checks slowed customs clearance, causing spoilage of fresh fish and prompting complaints from Malaysian exporters.

Malaysia responded earlier this month by suspending imports of five Thai shrimp species, a move that effectively cut off a market worth more than $10 million a year for Thai exporters. Thailand shipped more ...