Bangkok: The government revealed that the rice export figures for 2024 exceeded the target, reaching the highest level in six years, with a value exceeding 225 billion baht, marking a 27% increase. White rice remains popular, and there is confidence that this year's export figures will surpass the target.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anukul Prueksanusak, Deputy Government Spokesperson, reported that in 2024, Thailand exported 9.95 million tons of rice, a 13% increase, generating 225,656 million baht in revenue, which is a 27% increase, approximately 6,434 million US dollars. The volume of rice exports surpassed the projected 9 million tons, achieving the highest level since 2018. This growth results from the global need to import rice to meet consumption demand, compensate for decreased production, alleviate food inflation impacts, and ensure food security in buying countries.
Thailand's top exported rice was white rice, with 5.99 million tons, marking a 23% rise and accounting for 60% of the total Thai rice exports. Thai Hom Mali rice followed at 1.74 million tons, increasing by 3.57%, and parboiled rice at 1.27 million tons, which decreased by 7.97%. Thai Hom Mali rice also saw a notable increase at 0.63 million tons, up by 21.15%, while glutinous rice and brown rice exports were 0.30 million tons and 0.02 million tons, respectively. Globally, Thailand exported more rice than the previous year across almost every region. The African region received 3.37 million tons, accounting for 34% of the total Thai rice export volume, a 35% increase. Asia followed with 3.33 million tons, a decrease of 8%, America and the Middle East each received 1.34 million tons, increasing by 33% and 16% respectively, Europe imported 0.30 million tons, a 3% increase, and Oceania received 0.27 million tons, a 35% increase. Indonesia was the top export market with 1.33 million tons, a 6% decrease, accountin g for 13% of the total Thai rice export volume, followed by Iraq at 1 million tons, a rise of 18%, the United States at 0.85 million tons, a 20% increase, South Africa at 0.83 million tons, a decrease of 7%, and the Philippines at 0.62 million tons, a 48% increase.
The rice export trend in 2025 is expected to be highly competitive in the global rice trade market due to India's return to rice exports and increasing rice production from both exporting and importing countries, driven by easing drought conditions and economic factors that might influence rice import decisions. Major importers like Indonesia might reduce their rice imports as domestic production is expected to rise, and significant stockpiling has already occurred. The Department of Foreign Trade and the Thai Rice Exporters Association jointly predict Thai rice exports in 2025 to be approximately 7.5 million tons, according to Mr. Anukul.