Thailand Exports Slow Down Over Slow Demand

According to Thailand industry observers, rice shipments from Thailand, the world's top exporter, are likely to slow down over the next several months as most buyers have already covered their import requirements for the year.

Thai rice prices are also under pressure from lower prices in Vietnam, the main competitor in rice exports. Thai 5% broken grade is currently offered at $700 PMT, FOB compared with $560-$570 PMT, FOB.

Despite an expected slowing down of exports, rice shipments this year could easily reach 10 million MT due to higher exports in the earlier months of the year.