Thai rice exports this year could rise above the targeted levels due to demand from key importers and limited supplies in other exporting countries, Chookiat Ophaswongse, president of Association of exporters of rice in Thailand, has Dow Jones said in an interview Friday. “Rice exports this year should reach 8.7 million (metric) tons, given the strong demand in world markets for Thai rice,” Chookiat said.
Vietnam used to be seen as a strong candidate for the world’s top rice exporter, but now the title has gone to India and the competition for this position will be tougher for Vietnam.
Experts have estimated that Viet Nam would export 6.5 million tonnes of rice this year, 9.72 per cent down against last year because of challenges faced by the domestic and world markets.
