Thailand Regains Lead in Malaysia’s Rice Imports as First-Half Shipments Reach 327,995 Tonnes
Thailand supplied 327,995 tonnes of rice to Malaysia in the first half of 2026, representing about 46% of Malaysian imports. Thai officials say full-year shipments could exceed 700,000 tonnes, the highest level in more than 20 years.
Thai rice captures 46% of first-half imports
Thailand has regained its position as Malaysia’s largest rice supplier, shipping 327,995 tonnes during the first half of 2026. The volume accounted for about 46% of Malaysia’s total rice imports of 710,656 tonnes over the period, according to information disclosed by Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade and reported by Naewna.
Vietnam ranked second with 232,416 tonnes, followed by India with 62,115 tonnes and Cambodia with 57,602 tonnes. Thailand’s shipments in the first six months alone surpassed the 264,605 tonnes that Malaysia imported from the country during all of 2025. Thai officials said the acceleration could push exports to Malaysia above 700,000 tonnes in 2026, which would be the highest annual volume in more than 20 years.
Malaysia remains dependent on foreign supply
The renewed trade momentum reflects Malaysia’s sizable supply deficit. The country consumes about 2.69 million tonnes of rice, while domestic production is approximately 1.42 million tonnes and imports stand at about 1.46 million tonnes, according to the figures presented during talks between Thai representatives and Padiberas Nasional Berhad, or BERNAS.
BERNAS holds the exclusive right to import rice into Malaysia, making its purchasing decisions central to foreign suppliers’ access to the market. A delegation from Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade and the Thai Rice Exporters Association visited Kuala Lumpur on August 5, 2026, to discuss market conditions, food-security policy, Malaysia’s import direction and procurement prospects for 2026. The delegation was led by Deputy Director-General Chaninthorn Hrimcharoen under instructions from Department Director-General Arada Fuangtong.
Quality and delivery support Thailand’s position
Most Malaysian purchases from Thailand consist of white rice. Consumers in Peninsular Malaysia favor rice with a relatively firm texture that expands well when cooked, characteristics associated with Thai white rice. BERNAS asked suppliers to preserve this quality and described Thailand as an important and reliable source. It also praised Thai exporters for meeting contractual volumes and delivery schedules despite volatility in the global market.
Price is not the sole factor in BERNAS procurement. The importer also considers quality, continuity of supply and punctual delivery, areas identified as competitive strengths for Thai exporters. Thai jasmine rice and other Thai fragrant varieties retain opportunities among quality-oriented consumers, although they face price competition from fragrant rice supplied by rival origins. Thai authorities are seeking to expand both white-rice sales and higher-value varieties, including jasmine, Riceberry and Sangyod rice. More than 50 Malaysian rice businesses, officials and other participants attended a related promotional and networking event in Kuala Lumpur, where these varieties were presented through Thai dishes.
