By The Nation
He attributed the decline to drought conditions as well as the Covid-19 pandemic, which has disrupted customers' purchasing power in export markets.
Another factor is the strengthening baht which has affected the competitiveness of Thai rice exports.
Thai rice exporters have also faced tougher competition from China's exporters, who have already secured some of Thailand's share of the South African market.
Charoen added that China can offer cheaper rice as well as more varieties and higher yield per rai.
The association recently revised down its forecast for rice exports this year from 7.5 million tonnes to 6.5 million tonnes – the lowest target for the past 20 years.
