Milled rice and broken rice market in Thailand

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, Thailand's milled rice market was shaped by regulatory updates and climate variations. The introduction of new rice standards and export permit requirements in 2018 established stricter market rules. The following year, El Niño weather conditions reduced harvests, but government-organized nationwide rice fairs helped stabilize domestic prices and demand. A significant drop in exports increased rice availability on the local market, driving volume up to 12.3 million tons. In 2020, the launch of new broken-rice content standards under the Rice Act and the expansion of the state rice-pledging program provided supply stability, keeping market volume steady at around 12.5 million tons.

The market shifted notably from 2021 onward. COVID-19 pandemic disruptions raised logistics costs and caused export delays, contributing to a rise in domestic market volume to 14.7 million tons as production rebounded. New regulations on Geographical Indication labeling for jasmine rice also affected quality standards for broken rice. In 2022, revised export rules—including the adoption of a specific HS code for broken rice—facilitated overseas shipments. This, alongside high production costs, supported export growth and reduced domestic market volume to 10.5 million tons. By 2023, the trend continued as market volume further declined to 9.8 million tons, while exports reached 8.7 million tons, reflecting a sustained reorientation toward external markets.

Production milled rice and broken rice in Thailand

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, Thailand ranked as the 6th largest producer of milled rice and broken rice from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of milled rice and broken rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of milled rice and broken rice, 2017-2020

Thailand's production of milled rice and broken rice declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 18 009 thousand tonnes, representing a gradual year-over-year decrease of 5.1%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 12.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Thailand in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Thailand's milled rice and broken rice production increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 11 690 million US dollars, up 9.6% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 28.5%, with a CAGR of 8.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Thailand in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports milled rice and broken rice from Thailand

Exports in kind, K t

Thailand's exports of milled rice and broken rice declined in volume for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 5 586 thousand tonnes, marking a 16.1% reduction compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export volumes decreased by 51.6%, with a CAGR of -21.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Thailand in kind, 2017-2020, K t

The analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 shows a broad distribution across many markets. Benin (14.3% of export volume), South Africa (8.4%), and China (7.5%) together accounted for only 30.2% of total flows, while the remaining 69.8% went to other partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Thailand in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Thailand's milled rice and broken rice export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 3 626 million US dollars, marking a 3.1% year-over-year drop. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 29%, equating to an annualized rate of -10.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 5 520 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 32.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 8.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Thailand in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand's milled rice and broken rice exports in value terms were not concentrated on a few key markets. Benin (10.8% of export value), the United States (9.0%), and China (7.8%) jointly accounted for only 27.6% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Thailand in value, 2017-2020

Imports milled rice and broken rice to Thailand

Imports in kind, K t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 15 thousand tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 45 thousand tonnes, showing a 3.1-fold difference. In 2020, foreign supplies to Thailand increased by 191.5% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 25.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Thailand in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand's imports of milled rice and broken rice in volume terms were not concentrated on a few key markets. Myanmar (20.7% of import volume), Australia (9.2%), and Vietnam (8.6%) jointly accounted for only 38.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Thailand in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Imports bottomed in 2019 at 3 million US dollars and peaked in 2020 at 18 million US dollars, differing by a 6.3 multiple. In 2020, imported volumes were 534.5% greater than the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 76.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Thailand in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, the geographical structure of imports in value terms was highly diversified. Australia (13.8% of import value), Pakistan (8.1%), and Vietnam (8.0%) together accounted for only 30.0% of total flows, while the remaining 70.0% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Thailand in value, 2017-2020