Thai rice exports fall 30% as Trump tariff fears grow

Rice exports dropped by 30% year-on-year in the first quarter to 2.1 million tonnes, an industry association said.

- PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, attributed this decline to India’s renewed white rice exports and Indonesia, a key importer, temporarily suspending its orders.

This year, Indonesia is expected to import less than 1 million tonnes, with potential resumption of imports expected in the latter half of the year. These circumstances contributed to a 53% drop in white rice export volumes. However, exports of Thai jasmine rice and parboiled rice saw an uptick.

Mr Chookiat emphasised the importance of closely monitoring US President Donald Trump's policy, which has seen a 10% tariff imposed on Thai goods, an increase from the previous 0%.