Commerce Ministry plans rice export push after 19.26% fall in Jan–Sept 2026

Commerce Ministry outlined plans on 20 October 2026 to strengthen rice exports after shipments fell 19.26% year on year in January–September 2026. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, permanent secretary for commerce, said he had discussed the 2026 rice export outlook with Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, and association executives.

Thailand exported 4.99 million tonnes of rice in January–September 2026, down 19.26% from the same period in 2025. Export earnings fell 16.84% year on year to US$2.962 billion.

The average export price of Thai 5% broken white rice nevertheless rose to US$482 per tonne in September 2026, up 28.88% from US$374 per tonne in September 2025.

Philippine and Malaysian orders partly offset Iraq losses

Poonpong said increased purchases of Thai rice by the Philippines and Malaysia were partly compensating for weaker sales to Iraq. Both Asian markets were buying more to prepare for El Niño risks and strengthen food security.

Thai rice exporters face intense competition from India’s large harvest and high stocks, Poonpong said. Pakistan’s rice harvest entering the market towards the end of 2026 would add to the pressure.

Thai rice shipments to Iraq have fallen sharply since the beginning of 2026 because of tensions in the Middle East, Poonpong said. Some consignments still reach Iraq through Turkey, but higher transport costs have kept those volumes limited.

Trade department plans talks with Philippine import agencies

Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, said the department would join private-sector representatives on a visit to Philippine agencies responsible for rice imports. The delegation would request a longer period for shipments under licences and encourage further purchases from Thailand.

Arada said Thailand’s new rice harvest was entering the market, matching Philippine buyers’ preference for new-crop rice.

The Department of Foreign Trade also plans to meet key rice importers in Japan and South Africa in early 2027, Arada said. The meetings would aim to build confidence and preserve Thailand’s markets by emphasising rice quality and delivery on schedule under sales contracts.

Arada said the Department of Foreign Trade planned an international rice conference to facilitate negotiations between Thai exporters and overseas importers. Other efforts would include accelerating government-to-government rice sales and promoting Thai rice and business contacts at international trade fairs.

Thailand may retain a rice export target of 7 million tonnes for 2027, with challenges expected to resemble those faced in 2026, Arada said. The Department of Foreign Trade and the Thai Rice Exporters Association will reassess El Niño and the Middle East conflict towards the end of 2026 before settling the 2027 export forecast.

Commerce Ministry coordinates response to port labour shortage

The Commerce Ministry immediately contacted the Labour Ministry after the Thai Rice Exporters Association reported a shortage of workers to carry and load cargo at ports, Poonpong said. The association had requested help securing workers able to perform those duties.

Poonpong said improvements at the production stage were essential to Thai rice competitiveness. Competitive selling prices that still allowed a profit could increase exports and influence the prices received by farmers, while weaker exports would leave more rice in Thailand and affect domestic prices.

Chookiat said Thai rice prices exceeded those of rival producers because cultivation costs were high and yields per rai were much lower. He called for government support for new rice varieties and changes in farming methods to bring prices to a level that could compete internationally.