Thailand sees surge in rice exports to Hong Kong, as supply from China falls

BANGKOK, Feb 10, The Nation/ANN -- Thai jasmine rice exports to Hong Kong are poised for a big jump due to scarcity in the supermarkets and retail stores there after the new coronavirus outbreak, Somdet Susomboon, Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) director-general, said.

“The shortage of rice and medical masks in the country has caused people to hoard because of the coronavirus, ” he explained.

Somdet also said that the trade promotion office in Hong Kong and Thai exporters have had discussions with rice importers in Hong Kong about the demand for rice.

“There is huge demand from Hongkongers, and the office has assured that they will order more from Thailand, as China’s exports have fallen, ” he added.