BANGKOK: Thailand is the world number one rice exporter again with exports of almost five million tons in the first half of 2016. However, the private sector has warned of higher competition in the second half of year.
President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association Charoen Laothammatas said Thailand’s rice exports in the first six months of 2016 was a 12.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Thai exports in the global market were higher than India and Vietnam which exported 4.7 million tons and 2.6 million tons respectively.
The president however expressed concerns over Thai rice exports in the last two quarters due to higher rainfalls which might result in overproduction. Furthermore, rice production of Thailand’s competitors such as India, Pakistan and Vietnam was expected to rise, making competition fiercer, the president said.
The appreciating baht would also make Thai rice’s price more expensive than the competitors, especially Vietnam and India, the president added. Another factor which might affect Thai rice exports was rice import decrease in some countries, Mr. Charoen said.
