Thai rice exports to ASEAN jump 109% in Jan–Sept 2026
Philippine and Malaysian demand helps offset weaker Thai rice sales to Iraq, as ASEAN’s share of exports rises to 25.2% in January–September 2026.
- Thailand's rice exports to ASEAN countries increased by 109% to 1.25 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2026 compared to the previous year.
- The surge was primarily driven by significantly stronger purchases from the Philippines and Malaysia, which sought to bolster their national food security.
- Increased demand from the Philippines and Malaysia was a response to their own domestic production shortfalls and weather-related risks.
- As a result of this growth, the ASEAN bloc's share of Thailand's total rice exports rose from 9.7% to 25.2% for the period.
Thailand’s rice exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) more than doubled to approximately 1.25 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2026, as stronger purchases from the Philippines and Malaysia helped offset declining shipments to Iraq, according to the Department of Foreign Trade.
Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, put the increase in rice shipments to ASEAN at 109% year on year for January–September 2026. The bloc’s share of Thailand’s total rice exports rose from 9.7% to 25.2%, or more than a quarter.
Thai rice shipments to the Philippines and Malaysia increased by a combined total of more than 750,000 tonnes in January–September 2026 compared with the same period of 2025, Arada said, making the two countries the standout markets behind the regional expansion.
Thai rice exporters have faced geopolitical conflicts, a stronger baht, price competition and erratic weather in 2026, Arada explained. Weather-related disruption has affected production and transport costs, while exports to several important markets, particularly in the Middle East, have slowed.
Food-security needs lift Philippine and Malaysian demand
The Philippines and Malaysia are prioritising rice reserves and securing continuous supplies to strengthen food security amid production and weather risks, according to the Department of Foreign Trade.
Arada cited reports of a 12.3% decline in Philippine paddy production in the third quarter of 2026. Malaysia’s full-year paddy output was forecast at approximately 2.1 million tonnes, below its five-year average.
The emphasis on maintaining rice supplies in the Philippines and Malaysia has created more opportunities for Thai exporters to meet demand in both markets, Arada said.
Different ASEAN tastes create opportunities for Thai rice
ASEAN has long been an important market for Thai rice because of its geographical proximity and rice’s role as a regional staple, Arada said. Thailand’s range of varieties allows exporters to serve different consumer preferences.
Consumers in the Philippines tend to favour soft-textured and new-crop rice, while buyers in Peninsular Malaysia prefer relatively firm rice that expands well when cooked, Arada explained.
Singapore and Brunei offer markets for Thai Hom Mali jasmine rice, premium-quality rice and varieties aimed at health-conscious consumers. Meeting these different preferences gives Thai exporters scope to increase both sales volumes and value, Arada said.
Thailand tackles rice shipment delays and pursues Singapore sales
Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade has asked Philippine authorities to extend the shipment period under Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) permits for more than 36,000 tonnes of Thai rice after heavy rain delayed sea transport in October, Arada said.
Thailand is also in discussions with Singapore to arrange purchases under a government-to-government memorandum of cooperation on rice trade covering up to 100,000 tonnes over five years, according to the Department of Foreign Trade.
The Department of Foreign Trade is continuing visits by government and business delegations to maintain and expand ASEAN markets, while establishing direct coordination channels between relevant agencies to help resolve trade obstacles.
Department of Foreign Trade representatives visited the Philippines and Malaysia in August 2026 for talks with government agencies and rice industry operators. The visits promoted Thai Hom Mali jasmine rice and other Thai fragrant rice varieties, alongside assurances on quality and reliable delivery, Arada said.
Quality and lower costs underpin Thai rice competitiveness
Thai rice exporters need to improve quality, develop varieties that match market demand, raise productivity and lower production costs to remain competitive, Arada said. Growth in ASEAN demonstrated continued buyer confidence despite price competition from other major exporters.
Cooperation between government agencies and businesses supports Thai rice trade by building confidence, facilitating transactions and helping exporters operate smoothly, Arada added.
“The department believes ASEAN will remain an important long-term strategic market for Thai rice, given its geographical proximity, diverse consumer demand and strong trade ties,” Arada said.
Arada expects ASEAN demand to help absorb Thai rice production, generate income for farmers and support efforts to meet the Ministry of Commerce’s export targets during the final months of 2026.
