Thai Rice Exports Expected to Decline by 10 Percent Next Year

30-Dec-2025 02:02 PM

Bangkok. Thailand exported approximately 8 million tons of rice during the current year (2025), while total shipments are expected to decrease by more than 10 percent to around 7 million tons in 2026.

The Thai baht is 10-20 percent stronger than the currencies of other exporting countries, which could make it very difficult for Thai rice exporters to compete, especially with India.

The head of the Department of International Trade Promotion at Thailand's Ministry of Commerce said that if the baht's strength persists, the challenges for Thai agricultural exports,

particularly rice, will increase significantly. According to him, negotiations are underway for a government-to-government agreement to sell 500,000 tons of rice to China, and an agreement could be reached soon.

It is worth noting that in November 2025, Thailand agreed to supply Singapore with 100,000 tons of rice over the next five years.

In addition, Thailand is trying to increase its exports of white rice and parboiled rice to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and other countries in the Middle East, as well as to Africa.

Furthermore, Thailand has also planned to explore opportunities to produce its premium quality rice in Germany, Switzerland, and the United States under a special project.

The target for Thai rice exports in 2025 was set at 7.5 million tons, while actual shipments are expected to reach 7.9-8 million tons.