Thailand’s Rice Export Remains Buoyant Despite Floods

Thailand’s rice export remains buoyant despite floods

BANGKOK: -- Natural disasters and droughts in major rice exporting countries would boost demand for Thai rice, said Apiradi Tantraporn, director-general of the Foreign Trade Department.

It is expected that rice export next year would total over 8 million tonnes valued at more than US$2.5 billion. She said despite heavy floods in Thailand, the country’s rice export would be unaffected. Southern African countries would emerge as a new market. The department will send a trade delegation to promote Thai rice and other agricultural produce.

During the past 11 months ending November 28, Thailand exported 6.74 million tonnes of rice. The total export this year is expected to hit the target of about 7.5 million tonnes worth US$2.5 million.

--TNA 2006-12-02