BANGKOK – Arada Fuangtong, Director-General of the Department of International Trade, said Thailand exported about 3.28 million metric tons of rice during the first half of 2026 (January–June), down 18.8% from a year earlier. Export value totaled more than US$1.91 billion (approximately 60.4 billion baht), a decline of 20.5% year-on-year.
She attributed the decline to abundant global rice supplies, which have intensified price competition, as well as the conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted exports to key markets such as Iraq since March 2026.
Despite the slowdown, Arada said the global rice market continues to present opportunities. Concerns over potential drought linked to the El Niño phenomenon have prompted many importing countries to consider increasing rice purchases to strengthen food security, creating favorable prospects for Thai exports.
She said Thailand is also expanding into alternative markets to offset weaker demand from Iraq. Demand has increased in Asian markets, including Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as in African countries such as South Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mozambique, all of which imported more Thai rice during the first half of the year than in the same period of 2025.
The stronger demand reflects confidence in Thailand's reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality rice, its ability to deliver shipments on schedule, and the government's consistent rice export policy, which remain key competitive advantages, she said.
Arada said the Department of International Trade will step up efforts to diversify export markets and reduce reliance on any single destination while boosting overseas demand to absorb domestic rice production. The strategy will be implemented through close cooperation between the government and the private sector.
As part of these efforts, the department will accelerate negotiations with China's state-owned COFCO under government-to-government (G-to-G) arrangements. It will also lead a joint public-private delegation to the Philippines and Malaysia from Aug. 2–6 to meet major rice importers, strengthen buyer confidence, and boost exports in support of Thailand's 7 million-ton rice export target for 2026.
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