Tepid forecast for 2026 rice shipments

The rice export outlook for 2026 appears subdued due to several negative factors, as exporters expect to ship 7.5 million tonnes of rice next year.

- PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

Charoen Laothamatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said the production of in-season rice for 2025/26 is expected to reach 24 million tonnes. Rice exports this year as of Oct 27 totalled 6.4 million tonnes, a 22% year-on-year decline.

He said white rice exports significantly decreased due to the resumption of exports by India, an increased global rice supply and import halts by major buyers such as Indonesia and the Philippines.

Exports of Thai white rice fell by 43% to 2.9 million tonnes from January to Oct 27, and domestic prices have continually decreased.

However, shipments of Thai hom mali rice have performed well, exceeding 1.49 million tonnes, an 11% year-on-year increase. The major importers were the US, Hong Kong and Canada.