Thailand risks slipping to third place in rice shipmentsThailand is at risk of losing its place as the world's second-biggest rice exporter this year, due to weaker competitiveness and a lack of rice varieties to cater to changing market demand. "This year, the association has set a rice export target of 7.5 million tonnes, the same target as the Commerce Ministry, worth US$4.2 billion." In 2013, Thailand exported 6.6 million tonnes of rice. Indonesia is also planning to raise its rice imports to about 1 million tonnes, up from 300,000 tonnes last year. Even with an upsurge in demand, it will be difficult for Thailand to achieve the export target of 7.5 million tonnes, he said.

Source: Bangkok Post February 12, 2020 23:03 UTC