BANGKOK – Thailand exported 2.2 million tonnes of rice, valued at US$1.38 billion (RM5.74 billion), in the first six months of the year, reported the Vietnam News Agency, quoting The Nation newspaper.
This represents a reduction in volume of 21.03% and 28.14% in value compared with the same period a year earlier.
Thai Rice Exporters’ Association (TREA) president Charoen Laothamatas predicted that the kingdom’s total rice export volume for 2021 will hit 5.7 million tonnes, lower than the target of six million tonnes.
Thai rice prices are higher than many competitors, affecting sales, he said, also pointing to the baht’s appreciation and drought.
The Commerce Ministry has collaborated with TREA to promote the export of the country’s main types of rice, aiming for a 4.8% growth in jasmine rice sent to high-end markets; 5.2% growth in fragrant rice sales; 4.7% increase in white rice exports to general markets; and, 4.9% expansion for parboiled rice.
The export of sticky rice, brown rice and milled rice to specialised markets will be expanded by 3.6%, 12.5% and 12.5%, respectively.
The ministry will also work to expand government-to-government (G2G) rice-trading markets.
Recently, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said the Foreign Trade Department has negotiated on exporting an additional 20,000 tonnes of white rice to China under a contract to buy one million tonnes of G2G rice.
The department also plans to negotiate G2G rice sales under memoranda of understanding signed with Bangladesh and Indonesia.
Last year, Thailand shipped 5.7 million tonnes of rice abroad. – Bernama, July 5, 2021
