NEWSPAPER SECTION: Business

Rice exports tallied 7.9 million tonnes in 2025, surpassing the initial goal of 7.5 million tonnes, says the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT).

The growth was attributed to a rise in year-end orders from major importers stocking up for Christmas, New Year and Lunar New Year festivals.

Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the DFT, said rice exports were valued at 148 billion baht, or US$4.52 billion.

White rice exports, accounting for 45.8% of total exports, fell by 39.9% to 3.62 million tonnes, while fragrant rice declined by 6.35% to 590,000 tonnes. These declines were caused by intense price competition from major exporters such as Vietnam, India and Pakistan.

Other varieties recorded growth, with Thai hom mali reaching 1.76 million tonnes, a 0.57% year-on-year increase, while parboiled rice rose by 18% to 1.51 million tonnes, glutinous rice increased by 10% to 330,000 tonnes and unpolished rice saw a 200% surge to 90,000 tonnes.

The major export markets included Iraq with 1 million tonnes, followed by South Africa at 880,0000 tonnes and the US at 820,000 tonnes, while exports to China grew by 49% to 650,000 tonnes.

She said 2026 remains a challenging year, mirroring the market conditions of 2025. Global supply is expected to increase while demand from key partners like Indonesia may drop significantly due to food self-sufficiency policies.

Other risk factors include the global economic slowdown, baht volatility and geopolitical tensions affecting shipping costs.

However, these tensions may prompt some countries to increase imports for food security reserves, she said.

The DFT set a rice export target of 7 million tonnes this year.

To achieve this goal, the DFT developed an action plan with the private sector that includes sending trade delegations to enhance ties with major importers in Japan, China, the US, Canada and South Africa, while continuing to push for government-to-government sales with China and Singapore.

There are also plans to expand premium niche markets in Germany, Switzerland and the US as well as showcasing Thai rice at international trade fairs, facilitating business matching for smaller entrepreneurs and utilising digital marketing to boost awareness among the younger generation and global consumers.

Published Date: January 23, 2026