The Ministry of Commerce welcomes Thai rice export figures for 2025, which surpassed the target at 7.9 million tons, and confirms that in 2026 it will proceed with full efforts to maintain existing markets and expand into promising new ones.
Ms. Arada Fuengthong, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade. She revealed a summary of the Thai rice export situation for 2025, showing a volume of 7.9 million tons, exceeding the set target of 7.5 million tons, valued at 148.204 billion baht, approximately 4.515 billion U.S. dollars. The most exported rice type was white rice at 3.62 million tons, accounting for 45.82% of Thailand's total rice exports, down 39.87% from the previous year. Next was Thai jasmine rice at 1.76 million tons (up 0.57%), steamed rice at 1.51 million tons (up 18.90%), Thai fragrant rice at 0.59 million tons (down 6.35%), sticky rice at 0.33 million tons (up 10%), and brown rice at 0.09 million tons (up 200%). Export volumes increased for all types compared to the previous year, except for white rice and Thai fragrant rice, which declined due to strong price competition from key exporters like Vietnam, India, and Pakistan.
Key rice export markets included Iraq with 1.00 million tons (about the same as last year, with a slight increase of 0.41%), followed by South Africa at 0.88 million tons (up 5.11%), the United States at 0.82 million tons (down 3.60%), China at 0.65 million tons (up 48.95%), and Senegal at 0.29 million tons (down 41.10%).
The Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade. She further disclosed that 2026 remains a challenging year, with the rice market situation expected to be similar to 2025 and featuring high price competition. Based on market assessments with the private sector via the Thai Rice Exporters Association, global rice competition remains intense due to increased world rice production, while demand from key importers like Indonesia is expected to fall sharply due to their food self-sufficiency policies. Additionally, Thai rice exports may be impacted by the global economy, the appreciation and volatility of the baht, and geopolitical conflicts that could raise transportation costs. However, amid concerns over geopolitical tensions, some importing countries might stockpile rice to enhance food security, presenting export opportunities. Therefore, Thai rice exports in 2026 are forecast at 7 million tons.
The Department of Foreign Trade has prepared plans to promote rice exports to secure orders supporting Thai rice production. It will collaborate with the private sector to focus on maintaining existing markets and advancing into potential new ones. The department will send trade delegations to strengthen relationships and build confidence with key Thai rice importers such as Japan, China, the United States, Canada, and South Africa to extend trade cooperation and increase export opportunities. It will also negotiate and promote state-to-state rice sales continuously with the governments of China and Singapore. Moreover, plans include expanding premium rice markets in potential countries like Germany, Switzerland, and the United States, along with promoting the excellent image and distinctiveness of Thai rice through international trade fairs, linking small entrepreneurs to importers at these events. The department also plans to promote Thai rice online to raise awareness and stimulate demand widely, including among younger consumers.
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