Rice exports set to drop to 7m tonnes next year

Rice exports are projected to fall to 7 million tonnes in 2026 from roughly 8 million tonnes this year, according to the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT).

- PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the DFT, said Thai rice exports next year are expected to decline as they struggle to compete on prices amid the baht's appreciation.

She said the local currency has strengthened 10-20% compared with competitors and if this momentum continues, it will pose a major challenge for Thai agricultural products.

"The strong baht has created problems for rice exports," said Mrs Arada.

A deal to sell 500,000 tonnes of rice to China is expected to be maintained, she said.

Moreover, Thailand agreed to sell up to 100,000 tonnes of rice to Singapore over a five-year period, said Mrs Arada.