Thailand risks slipping to 3rd place in rice exportsA farmer walks in a rice field in Nong Sua district of Pathum Thani on Jan 5, 2020. (Photo by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)Thailand risks losing its place as the world’s second biggest rice exporter this year thanks to weaker competitiveness and a lack of rice varieties to cater to changing market demand. “Thailand has shipped the same rice varieties for 30 years and lacks rice variety development to deal with changing market demands and consumer behaviour,” said Mr Charoen. He said China is expected to speed up draining its huge stocks of 120 million tonnes of rice. Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the association, said key risk factors for Thailand’s rice export outlook include the strong baht, widespread drought, China’s huge stocks and continued rice varieties development in Vietnam, especially fragrant rice and soft-textured white rice.

Source: Bangkok Post February 12, 2020 10:18 UTC