Rice exports face mounting headwinds - Bangkok Post
Thailand's rice exports are expected to miss the target of 7 million tonnes this year, even as shipments to Asian markets surge.
From January to September 2026, rice exports totalled 4.99 million tonnes, with a value of US$2.96 billion or 94.9 billion baht, according to the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT).
Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the DFT, said shipments to Asian markets have expanded significantly. Malaysia imported its highest volume of Thai rice in 20 years, while the Philippines increased imports by 263% year-on-year due to concerns over El Niño and efforts to strengthen food security.
In the first nine months, Thailand exported 1.71 million tonnes of rice to Asian countries, up 13.3% year-on-year. This figure was nearly equal to the 1.73 million tonnes shipped to Africa, reflecting a more balanced distribution of export markets, she said.
Key export markets that grew notably during the period included the Philippines, Malaysia, which gained 155% year-on-year, Hong Kong up 63%, and Mozambique, which rose 2%.
Despite this growth, total rice shipments may reach only 6.5 million tonnes this year, below the target of 7 million tonnes, said Ms Arada.
Exports to Iraq were affected by the war in the Middle East, which resulted in the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz. In 2025, Thailand exported over 1 million tonnes of rice to Iraq.
Meanwhile, Indonesia stopped importing Thai rice this year as the country aims to increase domestic consumption.
Exports of Thai hom mali rice to the US were affected by tariffs, while demand has weakened due to high inflation in that country.
Perhaps as a result of trade talks, Japan has increased rice imports from the US.
Thai white rice 5% is more expensive than competing varieties, at around $480 per tonne, compared with $420 for Vietnamese rice and $388 for Indian rice.
The DFT plans to accelerate rice exports by organising trade missions and meetings with importers in key markets, including Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines and Africa.
The agency is also organising international rice conferences and participating in trade exhibitions to strengthen business ties, promote Thai rice quality and secure new orders.
For tapioca exports, Thailand shipped 3.24 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2026, down from 7.22 million tonnes year-on-year, attributed to weak demand, supply shortages caused by low production yields, and border closures with Cambodia.
