Thai rice exports in 2025 struggling, downward target revision ahead

A woman carries bags of rice imported from Thailand at Chinatown in New York, Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Exporters are concerned that if the US increases import tariffs on Thai rice to 20-25 per cent or even 36 per cent, the price of Thai jasmine rice could rise to US$1,200-1,300 per tonne, making competition more difficult. - AP

BANGKOK: Thai rice exports in the first quarter of 2025 totaled 2.1 million tonnes, a decrease of about 30 per cent. Following this sharp decline, there are plans to revise the 2025 export target downward.

Thailand's rice exports in 2024 reached 9.95 million tonnes, a 13 per cent increase and the highest in six years since 2018. The value of exports was US$6.434 billion, up 27 per cent, driven by higher global demand and India's suspension of rice exports, benefiting Thailand's export growth.