Thailand Rice Exports Fall 18% in First Half of 2025
Thai rice exports fell 18.8% in the first half of 2025 to 3.28 million tonnes, hampered by high global supply and competition from cheaper Vietnamese and Pakistani rice, though officials expect recovery through new markets and government tr
Director-General Arada Fuengthong of the Department of International Trade disclosed statistics on Thai rice exports during the first six months of 2025 (January to June), revealing that Thailand exported 3.28 million tonnes, a decline of 18.81 percent, valued at over $1.911 billion or approximately 60.387 billion baht, down 20.51 percent from the corresponding period last year. The reduction results from high global rice supply levels causing intense price competition, with Thai white rice at $447 per tonne exceeding Vietnam at $435 per tonne, Pakistan at $405 per tonne, and India at $367 per tonne. Middle East regional tensions have additionally impacted Thai rice exports to the important Iraqi market, which ceased purchases in March 2025.
However, drought conditions stemming from the El Niño phenomenon may have positive effects by encouraging importers to consider increased rice purchases to manage such risks and enhance food security. Thailand also has opportunities to export rice to alternative high-potential markets replacing Iraq, such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and African regions including South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique, which have increased imports from Thailand.
Arada stated that the department has accelerated market promotion and continued efforts to drive Thai rice exports across multiple regions to reduce reliance on any single market and stimulate purchase orders to absorb Thai rice production. The Department of International Trade will expedite government-to-government (G to G) rice trading negotiations with COFCO and the Chinese government. A delegation of government and private sector representatives is scheduled to visit major rice importers such as the Philippines and Malaysia between August 2 and 6 to build confidence and promote Thai rice exports. The department is confident that full-year exports will meet the target of 7 million tonnes, a 15 percent decline compared to last year's 8.3 million tonnes.
