Thailand targets at least 600,000 tonnes of rice exports to the Philippines in 2026

First-half shipments more than double

Thailand expects to export at least 600,000 tonnes of rice to the Philippines in 2026, following a sharp increase in shipments during the first six months of the year. The target is part of a government-industry campaign to remove trade obstacles, strengthen links with Philippine importers and promote both mainstream and higher-value Thai varieties.

Thailand shipped 295,939 tonnes of rice to the Philippines between January and June 2026, an increase of 110.47% from the same period a year earlier, according to the Department of Foreign Trade figures reported by Naewna and Thai PBS. White rice accounted for 98.82% of the total. Thai Hom Mali rice represented 0.97%, glutinous rice 0.18% and Thai fragrant rice 0.03%.

The product mix shows that recent growth has been driven overwhelmingly by standard white rice. Most Philippine consumers still prefer 25% broken white rice, while price competition remains intense. Thai officials nevertheless see expanding demand for premium and specialty varieties among urban consumers, restaurants and hotels.

Officials seek fewer trade and logistics barriers

A delegation from Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade and the Thai Rice Exporters Association visited Manila on August 3, 2026. The group held talks with Food Terminal Incorporated, a Philippine state-owned agricultural trading and logistics company, as well as the Philippine Rice Importers Association and the Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement.

The discussions covered rice-market conditions, food-security policy, import-demand trends, logistics improvements and ways to reduce trade barriers. The Thai delegation also met the Bureau of Plant Industry, which oversees agricultural imports and food safety, to discuss import regulations and sanitary and phytosanitary measures.

Arada Fuangtong, director-general of Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade, said the mission was intended to make access to the Philippine market smoother for Thai exporters. The products promoted included Hom Mali rice, Pathum Thani fragrant rice and other quality varieties. The department also identified opportunities for competitively priced Thai soft-textured rice and new varieties suited to Philippine demand.

Food security supports import demand

The Philippines relies on imported rice to meet domestic consumption, limit shortages associated with drought and support price stability, according to the Thai department. That dependence makes the country an important destination for exporters, although suppliers must compete on price, product specifications and regulatory compliance.

Thailand’s campaign combines official engagement with direct commercial promotion. The department held a networking event at the Thai SELECT-certified Benjarong restaurant at Dusit Manila, attended by more than 60 representatives from importer groups, businesses, media and online influencers. Thai Hom Mali and Riceberry rice were served with Thai food as part of the effort to build recognition of product quality and connect exporters with buyers.

Maintaining Philippine sales is particularly important as Thai rice faces strong international price competition and uncertainty linked to economic and geopolitical conditions. Reaching the annual target would require second-half shipments of at least 304,061 tonnes, slightly above the volume recorded in the first six months. The commercial challenge is therefore twofold: sustaining large-volume white-rice business while securing a broader market for fragrant, soft-textured and other specialty products.