Thai rice regains Malaysia lead with 20-year high forecast
Thailand reclaimed its position as Malaysia’s leading rice supplier in the first half of 2026, with full-year shipments forecast to exceed 700,000 tonnes
- Thailand became Malaysia's largest rice supplier in the first half of 2026, overtaking Vietnam and India and accounting for 46% of total imports.
- Exports to Malaysia for the full year 2026 are forecast to exceed 700,000 tonnes, which would be the highest volume in over 20 years.
- The increased demand is driven by Malaysian consumer preference for the texture of Thai white rice and the reliability of Thai suppliers in quality and delivery.
- Rice imports from Thailand in the first six months of 2026 have already surpassed the total amount purchased throughout all of 2025.
Thailand reclaimed its position as Malaysia’s largest rice supplier in the first half of 2026, overtaking Vietnam and India as demand for Thai white rice strengthened.
Malaysia imported 327,995 tonnes of rice from Thailand during the six-month period, according to figures provided by Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS), Malaysia’s sole authorised rice importer.
Thai rice accounted for approximately 46% of Malaysia’s total imports of 710,656 tonnes during the period.
Vietnam ranked second with 232,416 tonnes, followed by India with 62,115 tonnes and Cambodia with 57,602 tonnes.
Six-month shipments exceed the 2025 total
Malaysia’s imports from Thailand during the first six months of 2026 were already higher than the 264,605 tonnes purchased throughout 2025.
Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) Director-General Arada Fuangtong described the increase as a strong sign of renewed growth for Thai rice in the Malaysian market.
Most of Malaysia’s imports from Thailand consist of white rice. Consumers in Peninsular Malaysia favour rice with a relatively firm texture that expands well when cooked, characteristics associated with Thai white rice.
BERNAS regarded Thailand as an important and dependable supplier, while recognising Thai exporters’ ability to meet contractual obligations.
Quality and delivery support demand
BERNAS does not base its purchasing decisions solely on price, according to the DFT.
The Malaysian importer also considers product quality, continuity of supply and punctual delivery, all of which the department identified as strengths of Thai exporters.
BERNAS has asked suppliers to maintain the quality of Thai white rice to ensure it continues to meet Malaysian consumer preferences.
Thai Hom Mali rice and other Thai fragrant varieties also retain opportunities among quality-conscious consumers, although they face price competition from fragrant rice supplied by rival exporting countries.
Exports could reach 20-year high
The DFT forecasts that Thailand’s rice exports to Malaysia could exceed 700,000 tonnes in 2026.
If achieved, this would be the highest annual volume shipped to the Malaysian market in more than 20 years.
The department plans to work with private-sector exporters to maintain quality standards and expand the market for both Thai white rice and higher-quality varieties.
