BANGKOK: Thailand’s rice exports to Asean have more than doubled to approximately 1.25 million tonnes in nine months as stronger purchases from the Philippines and Malaysia helped offset declining shipments to Iraq, according to the country’s 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 to 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 to September 2026 compared with the same period of 2025, Fuangtong 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, Fuangtong explained.
Weather-related disruption has affected production and transport costs, while exports to several important markets have slowed.
The Philippines and Malaysia are prioritising rice reserves and securing continuous supplies to strengthen food security amid production and weather risks, said the Department of Foreign Trade.
Fuangtong 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, Fuangtong said.
Asean has long been an important market for Thai rice because of its geographical proximity and rice’s role as a regional staple, Fuangtong 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, Fuangtong 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, Fuangtong said.
Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade has asked Philippine authorities to extend the shipment period under Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance permits for more than 36,000 tonnes of Thai rice after heavy rain delayed sea transport in October, Fuangtong 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 is continuing visits to maintain and expand Asean markets, while establishing direct coordination channels between relevant agencies to resolve trade obstacles. — The Nation/ANN
