Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 19, Thailand's rice exports have seen a significant decline in the 2024/25 marketing year, dropping by 24% to 7.5 million tonnes, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). This marks a sharp contrast to the 9.9 million tonnes shipped in the previous season. The decline has been attributed to intensified global competition, particularly from India, which has returned to global rice markets, and increased rice supplies from Vietnam.

The report highlights that the drop in Thai rice exports is primarily driven by a reduction in white rice shipments, as price competition has become fiercer. However, demand for premium varieties such as parboiled and fragrant rice has remained strong, helping to sustain exports in these segments.

Looking ahead to the 2025/26 marketing year, FAS predicts a similar export volume of 7.5 million tonnes. Despite this decline, Thailand is expected to maintain its position as the world’s third-largest rice exporter, trailing India and Vietnam.

In terms of production, Thailand’s rice output for 2025/26 is projected at 20.48 million tonnes, slightly lower than the previous year but still one of the largest harvests on record. Ending stocks are expected to remain solid, ranging from 3 to 4 million tonnes, which should help stabilize prices amid the ongoing global competition.

While Thailand faces increasing pressure in the rice export market, it continues to remain a key player, particularly in the premium rice segment.