Thailand’s rice trade in the Southeast Asia region has seen outstanding performance, increasing 109% in the first nine months of 2026.
Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade data shows that deliveries climbed to about 1.25 million tonnes from January to September, as sales to the Philippines and Malaysia picked up.
The Thai Rice Exports increase underscores the increasing relevance of ASEAN as a regional market, despite a declining demand from traditional foreign markets.
Thai Rice Exports to ASEAN Jump 109% in 2026
From January to September 2026, Thailand exported 1.25 million tonnes of rice to ASEAN, which was 109% higher than the previous year. The Department of Foreign Trade figures showed ASEAN’s percentage of the total rice shipments rose from 9.7% to 25.2%.
Philippines and Malaysia Drive Regional Rice Demand
Total imports from the Philippines and Malaysia rose by over 750,000 tonnes. Production of paddy in the Philippines is reportedly down 12.3% in the third quarter, while Malaysia is projected to produce about 2.1 million tonnes in 2013, which is lower than the five-year average. Slowdown in domestic production has led to further imports in response to food-security worries.
Strong ASEAN Sales Offset Weaker Middle East Exports
Thailand’s rice exporters are under pressure from geopolitical conflict, the appreciating baht and strong competition from the international market. ASEAN is growing in significance as shipments to Iraq have been decreasing. Overall, however, Thailand’s rice exports fell 19.26% to 4.99 million tonnes for January-September 2026.
Thailand Strengthens Rice Trade Partnerships Across ASEAN
Thailand is seeking more intensive cooperation with regional importers, such as under a rice-trade agreement with Singapore to import up to 100,000 tonnes of rice for five years. Meanwhile, officials are also focusing on delayed supply from the Philippines, and marketing of Thai jasmine rice to boost long-term market competitiveness.
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