Thai Rice Exports Target 7 Million Tons in 2026

Matichon•Economy•20d ago

Reader Briefing

The Department of Foreign Trade reports a decline in rice exports for the first half of 2026 but targets 7 million tons for the year.

•Thailand exported approximately 3.28 million tons of rice in the first six months of 2026.
•Rice export volume decreased by 18.81% and value decreased by 20.51% compared to the previous year.
•The Department of Foreign Trade targets total rice exports of 7 million tons for 2026.
•El Niño-induced drought is prompting importing countries to increase rice purchases for food security.

•Thailand exported approximately 3.28 million tons of rice in the first six months of 2026, valued at over 1,911 million US dollars.
•The decline in exports resulted from high global rice supply leading to intense price competition and conflict in the Middle East affecting exports to Iraq.
•El Niño-driven drought is signaling a positive trend as importing countries increase rice imports to ensure domestic food security.
•Thailand is expanding its export potential to substitute the Iraq market through regions including Malaysia, Philippines, South Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mozambique.
•The Department of Foreign Trade is pursuing a proactive policy to promote exports across various regions to reduce reliance on any single market.
•The Department of Foreign Trade is accelerating G-to-G negotiations with COFCO of the Chinese government.
•A delegation of government and private sectors is scheduled to meet key importers in Philippines and Malaysia between August 2-6.

Full article content is available on the original source.

Arada Fuangthong(นางอารดา เฟื่องทอง)

Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade.

Department of Foreign Trade(กรมการค้าต่างประเทศ)

The government agency responsible for promoting and pushing Thai rice exports.

A Chinese government entity involved in G-to-G rice trade negotiations.

Ministry of Commerce(พณ.)ℹ️

The government ministry expecting rice exports to reach 7 million tons in 2026.

Iraq(อิรัก)ℹ️

An important rice market for Thailand where exports were disrupted since March.

Malaysia(มาเลเซีย)ℹ️

An Asian market where Thai rice imports have increased.

Philippines(ฟิลิปปินส์)ℹ️

An Asian market where Thai rice imports have increased.

South Africa(แอฟริกาใต้)ℹ️

An African market where Thai rice imports have increased.

Democratic Republic of the Congo(สาธารณรัฐประชาธิปไตยคองโก)ℹ️

An African market where Thai rice imports have increased.

Mozambique(โมซัมบิก)ℹ️

An African market where Thai rice imports have increased.