Thailand dethroned: Vietnam becomes the 2nd largest rice exporter

In the first half of 2025, Vietnam overtook Thailand to become the world's second largest rice exporter, behind India.

The drop in Thai exports of more than 27% is worrying industry professionals.

India retains first place

From January to June, India exported 11.68 million tonnes of rice, a 36.5% increase over the previous year, followed by Vietnam with 4.72 million tonnes, up 3.6%, and Thailand with 3.73 million tonnes, down 27.3%.

Pakistan came in 4th place with 2.76 million tonnes, down 20.2%, and the United States came in 5th, with 1.40 million tonnes, down 23.5%.

The top five importers of Thai rice are:

1. Iraq, with 582,703 tonnes, or 15.6% of total rice exports
2. The United States, with 430,603 tonnes, or 7.4% of total exports
3. African countries, with 359,031 tonnes, or 2.5% of total exports
4. China, with 332,183 tonnes
5. Senegal, with 165,294 tonnes

Thai rice exports plummet

Association president Charoen Laothamatas said the value of Thai rice exports for the first six months of this year is estimated at 75.57 billion baht, a decrease of 36.4 percent compared to the same period last year.

Towards a recovery in July, despite falling prices

The association forecasts that Thailand should have exported more than 600,000 tonnes of rice in July, as several countries, such as Iraq, China, Japan and some African countries, have increased their rice orders, but this could be due to the decline in rice prices.

Rice prices are expected to continue to decline, due to a combination of increased supply from producing countries and weakening demand, which will lead to competitive price declines from rice exporters.

See also:

Tourism, economy: Vietnam poised to overtake Thailand

Thailand and Vietnam battle for second-largest rice exporter

Thailand's rice exports boom: +13% in 2024

Thailand's rice yields are much lower than those of other countries

Thai rice in trouble due to rising baht and India

Thai rice exports to jump 25% in first half of 2024

Source: Thai PBS World