The Thai Rice Exporters Association forecasts that total rice exports this year could reach 7.03 million tons, down 11% from last year and marking the lowest level in the past five years. Export value is expected to be between 130-140 billion baht, a decrease of 12.3%.
The main reason for these concerns is the appreciation of the Thai baht, making Thai rice significantly more expensive than that of other rice exporting countries. In January alone, Thailand's rice exports fell by nearly 18%, while the export value decreased by more than 30%.
The decline occurred against the backdrop of Thai fragrant rice prices reaching approximately $1,200 per ton, significantly higher than the regional average. Additionally, increased global supply and trade volatility added further pressure.
In addition, global oversupply, including record production in India, import restrictions from major buyers like Indonesia, and food security policies encouraging self-sufficiency, are also putting pressure on demand for Thai rice.
The country's exporters are calling for the swift formation of a new government and the implementation of urgent measures to address the strengthening domestic currency, develop new rice varieties suitable for global demand, and reduce production costs to prevent Thailand from losing further market share to regional competitors.
Source: VTV
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<p>Time: November 2025<br /> By: WTO and International Trade Group, Legal Department – VCCI</p>
