Rice exports dip amid tariffs, global glut

Rice 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.

- SOMHATAI MOSIKA

Export value fell by 30.7% to 9.71 billion baht, down 23.9% in US dollar terms.

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. Parboiled rice decreased by 2.5% to 72,462 tonnes, and fragrant rice fell by 31% to 29,390 tonnes. Two varieties saw growth: glutinous rice rose 13.5% to 10,421 tonnes, and Thai hom mali broken rice increased by 42.9% to 20,865 tonnes.

The country saw significant declines in exports to Iraq and the US, by 20.1% and 34.1%, respectively, while rice shipments to Malaysia soared by 116% as the country sought Thai rice to compensate for delayed deliveries from Pakistan. Exports to China also surged by 84.5%.