Thailand’s full-year exports can fall below the forecast of 7.5 million tonnes, but exporters are seeing more US orders after a 90-day pause on the imposition of steep new tariffs.

Thailand’s 5% broken rice fell to 395-400 USD per tonne, its lowest since January 2022.

Thailand’s Commerce Ministry is calling on local farmers to adopt advanced technologies to reduce carbon emissions in rice production, aiming to enhance the country’s rice competitiveness in the global market.

Thailand’s rice exports are expected to face stiffer competition as India has removed export restrictions and taxes, allowing unlimited rice exports, according to Charoen Laothammatas, President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association.

Thailand's rice exports in the first three months of 2024 reached 2.5 million tonnes, 500,000 tonnes higher than the number recorded in 2023's first quarter, said the government's spokesperson Chai Watcharonke.

Thailand’s rice output this year may drop by as much as 6% to 25.1 - 25.6 million tonnes due to impacts of the El Nino weather phenomenon, the Kasikorn Research Centre (KRC) forecast.

The export prices of Thai rice have risen to the highest level since June 2022 thanks to an increase in shipments and a stronger Thai baht.

Thailand plans to export 7.5 million tonnes of rice this year, up from a previous target of 7 million tonnes, thanks to increased output and a weak baht amid global food insecurity.

The China-Laos Railway has enhanced connectivity between China and Southeast Asian countries, with Thailand hoping to export more agricultural products to China through the rail route.

A weaker baht is predicted to increase Thailand’s rice exports in the rest of 2021 by making Thai rice more competitive and prompting higher global demand.

Thailand is planning to ship 6 million tonnes of rice abroad in 2021, higher than the figure of 5.27 million tonnes last year.

Thailand’s rice export volume is estimated to reach 5.7 million tonnes in 2020 with revenue of about 3.8 billion USD, down 12 percent year on year, according to Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA) Honorary President Chookiat Ophaswongse.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit has pledged to speed up adjustment of the country’s rice strategy as quickly as possible as the industry is facing an array of challenges, including a strong baht and rising production costs.

The Thai Rice Exporters Association on July 22 predicted that the country’s 2020 rice exports will drop to 6.5 million tonnes, the lowest volume in two decades, owing to drought and a strong baht currency.

Thailand's rice export is facing an unpromising outlook in the second half of 2020 amid sluggish global demand caused by the coronavirus crisis.

The price of Thai rice is higher than that of competitors due to limited supply and the strengthening of the baht, which could hurt exports, the Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA) said.

Exports of Thai rice have been on the rise as many countries are stocking up on food supplies due to the rampant COVID-19 outbreak, said President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA) Chookiat Ophaswongse.

Thailand’s rice exports are forecast at 8 – 8.1 million tonnes in 2019, compared to the target of 9 million tonnes.

Thai rice exports are likely to stay below targets as the strong baht weakens competitiveness in the world market.

Thai rice exporters are fretting over their prospects this year as China looks set to ramp up its rice shipments, notably to Africa.​