Thailand Rice Exports Decline Amid Competitive Global Market
Thailand's rice exports dropped by over 19% in the first nine months of 2026, with officials projecting the annual total will fall short of the 7 million-ton target.
According to Arada Fuangtong, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Commerce, Thailand's rice exports from January to September 2026 reached 4.99 million tons, marking a 19.26% decrease compared to the same period last year. The total value of these exports also fell by 16.84% to 2.962 billion USD. Officials now estimate that total annual exports may reach only 6.5 million tons, potentially hitting a five-year low and missing the initial 7 million-ton target. The decline is largely attributed to the high price of Thai rice compared to international competitors. Specifically, the price of 5% white rice is currently 21.3% higher than that of India and 12.2% higher than Pakistani rice. While major global exporters like Vietnam, Pakistan, and the United States have also seen export volumes shrink, India remains a notable exception with increased output. For residents and travelers, this shift in the agricultural sector highlights ongoing economic pressures on local farmers and potential fluctuations in domestic food pricing. It remains to be confirmed how the government will adjust its trade strategies to regain competitiveness in the global market as the year concludes.
