ANN/THE NATION – Thailand has regained its status as the leading supplier of rice to Malaysia in the first half of 2026, surpassing Vietnam and India amid rising demand for Thai white rice.

According to data released by Malaysia’s sole authorised importer, Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS), the country took in 327,995 tonnes of rice from Thailand over the six-month period. Shipments from Thailand made up roughly 46 per cent of the 710,656 tonnes of rice imported by Malaysia overall during the timeframe.

Vietnam ranked second with 232,416 tonnes, followed by India with 62,115 tonnes and Cambodia with 57,602 tonnes.

SIX-MONTH SHIPMENTS EXCEED THE 2025 TOTAL

Malaysia’s imports from Thailand during the first six months of 2026 were already higher than the 264,605 tonnes purchased throughout 2025.

Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) Director-General Arada Fuangtong described the increase as a strong sign of renewed growth for Thai rice in the Malaysian market. Most of Malaysia’s imports from Thailand consist of white rice. Consumers in Peninsular Malaysia favour rice with a relatively firm texture that expands well when cooked, characteristics associated with Thai white rice.

BERNAS regarded Thailand as an important and dependable supplier, while recognising Thai exporters’ ability to meet contractual obligations.

QUALITY AND DELIVERY SUPPORT DEMAND

BERNAS does not base its purchasing decisions solely on price, according to the DFT.

The Malaysian importer also considers product quality, continuity of supply and punctual delivery, all of which the department identified as strengths of Thai exporters.

BERNAS has asked suppliers to maintain the quality of Thai white rice to ensure it continues to meet Malaysian consumer preferences.

Thai Hom Mali rice and other Thai fragrant varieties also retain opportunities among quality-conscious consumers, although they face price competition from fragrant rice supplied by rival exporting countries.

EXPORTS COULD REACH 20-YEAR HIGH

The DFT forecasts that Thailand’s rice exports to Malaysia could exceed 700,000 tonnes in 2026.

If achieved, this would be the highest annual volume shipped to the Malaysian market in more than 20 years.

The department plans to work with private-sector exporters to maintain quality standards and expand the market for both Thai white rice and higher-quality varieties.

Published Date: August 24, 2026