Thailand occupies more than 60% of rice market in Hong Kong

[webfact]

Thailand occupies more than 60% of rice market in Hong Kong

BANGKOK, 4 May 2015 (NNT) - The Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department imported 49,900 tons of rice from Thailand in the first quarter 2015, a 48.9% increase compared to the same period last year. The higher rice exports to Hong Kong brought Thailand’s rice exports to all markets to 62.2% in the first quarter 2015.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce Duangkamon Chiambut said the Hong Kong Trade and Industry imported 80,400 tons of rice during the first three months this year, increasing by 0.75%. Drop in Thai Hom Mali rice price and importers’ higher confidence in Thai rice were important factors which led to the first quarter growth, the spokesperson added. The strengthening of relations between the Thai government and Hong Kong rice importers also helped Thai rice exports achieved a growth target of higher than 60%, she said.

In 2013, Thailand exported 6.6 million tons of rice, worth 4.42 billion USD, worldwide. In 2014, Thai rice exports were 10.9 million tons or 5.34 billion USD.


-- NNT 2015-05-04

[webfact]

Thai rice grabs over 60% market share in Hong Kong

BANGKOK: -- Although Thai rice exports showed a drop of 3% in the first three months of 2015, but in Hong Kong Thai rice has grabbed over 60% market share there.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce, Duangkamon Chiambut said the Hong Kong Trade and Industry imported up to 80,400 tons of rice during the first three months this year, increasing by 0.75%.

Of this rice import figure, up to 49,900 tons were Thai rice, increasing by 48.9%.

Vietnam, Thailand’s main competitor, exported less rice to Hong Kong dropping from 40% to 27%.

Price fall of Thai Hom Mali rice and importers’ higher confidence in Thai rice were among factors which led to the first quarter growth.

The higher rice exports to Hong Kong brought Thailand’s market share in Hong Kong to 62.2%.

However, Thai rice exporters are urged to continue to promote inexpensive and high-quality rice, she said.

Ministry of Commerce earlier reported that Thailand exported 2.1 million tons of rice during the first three months of this year, down 3.6%, since buyers went for cheaper rice sold by Thailand’s competitors.

Meanwhile, rice export to Nigeria went up 71%, which turned the country into the largest importer of Thai rice, followed by Philippines, where rice import from Thailand increased by 283%.

However, rice exports to Ivory Coast dropped 15.9% and also 8.2% down for China.

South Africa increased its rice import from Thailand by 44%.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/thai-rice-grabs-over-60-market-share-in-hong-kong

-- Thai PBS 2015-05-05