Thai rice exports to ASEAN jump 109% in Jan–Sept 2026
Thailand’s rice exports to ASEAN surged 109% year over year to 1.25 million tonnes during January–September 2026, driven by stronger demand from the Philippines and Malaysia. ASEAN’s share of Thai exports increased to 25.2% amid food-security concerns and declining regional rice production.
Thailand’s rice exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) more than doubled to approximately 1.25 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2026, as stronger purchases from the Philippines and Malaysia helped offset declining shipments to Iraq, according to the 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–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–September 2026 compared with the same period of 2025, Arada 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, Arada explained. Weather-related disruption has affected production and transport costs, while exports to several important markets, particularly in the Middle East, have slowed.
Food-security needs lift Philippine and Malaysian demand
The Philippines and Malaysia are prioritising rice reserves and securing continuous supplies to strengthen food security amid production and weather risks, according to the Department of Foreign Trade.
Arada 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.
To Read more about Rice News continue reading Agriinsite.com
Source : nationthailand
