Rice exports dip amid tariffs, global glutRice exports are expected to decline in the first half of 2026, following a 17.5% year-on-year drop to 530,287 tonnes in January, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Association. White rice exports, accounting for 45% of total shipments, declined by 14.8%, while Thai hom mali rice dropped by 8.4% to 120,913 tonnes. Charoen Laothammatas, president of the association, said exchange rates have a significant impact on rice exports amid intensifying competition in the global market. For instance, this month Thai hom mali rice is priced at US$1,100 per tonne, while Vietnam's premium fragrant rice is about $600-800 per tonne and Cambodia's Malys Angkor fragrant rice is $830 per tonne. Thailand typically exports more than 800,000 tonnes of rice to the US annually, including 600,000 tonnes of Thai hom mali rice.

Source: Bangkok Post February 25, 2026 23:35 UTC