Latest news with #DFT
Bangkok Post
10-08-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Rice exporters target new Asian markets
The Commerce Ministry has announced a plan to increase rice exports to China, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Hong Kong. Commerce Minister Jatuporn Buruspat said the ministry had a meeting with the Thai Rice Exporters Association to discuss the rice export outlook in the latter half of the year. He said he directed the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) to engage with Chinese officials to accelerate the export of 280,000 tonnes of remaining rice under a government-to-government agreement. The ministry is also focusing on increasing sales in key markets such as Japan, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh, which are significant purchasers of white and parboiled rice, alongside Hong Kong, a growing market for Thai jasmine rice. Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said this year is a challenging one because of a global rice glut and a decline in demand. Indonesia, which imported 4 million tonnes last year, is projected to purchase a small amount of rice this year. Meanwhile, rice prices have plummeted to 10.50 baht per kilogramme, down from 19-20 baht. "Our competitors have improved rice quality, which has narrowed the gap in quality between Thai rice and their products. If Thai rice continues to be priced higher, buyers may turn to alternatives," said Mr Chookiat. "We must intensify our marketing strategies and promotional efforts, particularly in high-potential markets such as China and the Middle East, while also diversifying our offerings, with soft-textured rice increasingly preferred in Asia." Charoen Laothamatas, president of the association, suggested the government maintain a stable and relatively weak currency at 33-34 baht per US dollar to bolster competitiveness. Exchange rate fluctuation can influence the market decisions of exporters and importers, he said. Mr Charoen urged the government to expedite market access for Thai rice in Saudi Arabia, where hard rice is used for workers in labour camps, as well as advocate for increased export quotas to Japan. He said Iraq is another potential market for Thai rice. Thailand exported 3.73 million tonnes of rice worth 75.6 billion baht in the first half of the year, up 27.3% by volume and 36.5% in value. Roughly 7.5 million tonnes of rice are expected to be exported this year, according to the DFT.
BBC News
08-08-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Northumberland A1 dualling consent to be revoked
The government is moving to officially revoke the approval that would have allowed for the dualling of a stretch of the A1 road in announced last October that it was scrapping a long-planned upgrade to the busy route having deemed it "unfunded and unaffordable", sparking outrage among secretary Heidi Alexander served notice she will quash the development consent order (DCO) that was granted for the scheme in the Conservatives' final weeks in power at Department for Transport (DfT) said it was "exploring solutions" for other changes that could be made on the A1 between Morpeth and Ellingham. Alexander said the dualling scheme was "poor value of money", with its estimated cost having risen from £290m in 2014 to more than half a billion DFT did not give details of what any other improvements might be or how long they might take to implement.A spokesperson said: "Given the challenging financial picture we inherited, we had to make difficult decisions."National Highways is now exploring solutions for this section of the A1 that could improve safety and congestion while offering value for money to the taxpayer." 'Spiteful' claim The DCO was granted to National Highways in May 2024, the Local Democracy Reporting Service Council's Conservative deputy leader Richard Wearmouth said the act of pulling it "feels needless and spiteful".He said: "I will be discussing with officers at the council what options are available to challenge the revocation next week."My hope, no matter how forlorn, is that somehow at least the work done and progress made will not be entirely reversed as Labour are currently directing."A leaked government report previously revealed plans to dual the A1 were quietly shelved in 2021 under the Conservative government. Public representations on the revocation order can be made until 12 September. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Bangkok Post
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
Thai agri-innovation in spotlight at King Power Rangnam
Travellers and shoppers are invited to discover innovative Thai agricultural products at "Nature For Future: Agriculture+Innovation" pop-up counter at King Power Rangnam, from Friday until Sept 21. Presented by the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with King Power, this is an exclusive showcase of over 60 innovative Thai agricultural products from 30 creative producers and entrepreneurs. An initiative by DFT, the grand showcase brings a list of Agri Plus Award-winning items and a selection of lifestyle merchandise, food and drinks made from Thai agricultural products using cutting-edge innovations. Designed especially for international travellers, the collection boasts unique, design-forward souvenirs that celebrate Thai creativity, sustainability and innovation through agriculture. This campaign is part of DFT's mission to champion Thai agri-innovation and empower local entrepreneurs to access global markets through creativity and sustainable development. Visitors are encouraged to snap a photo at the vibrant playground-themed booth and share it on social media for a chance to win an exclusive souvenir or discount coupons. Set to show up at the official launch on Friday at 1.30pm will be Miss Universe Thailand 2023 Anntonia Porsild, the face of the campaign.
Bangkok Post
30-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Transport solutions sidestep border conflict
The border closures with Cambodia have affected land transport, leading to a shift towards shipping via alternative routes, says the commerce minister. Commerce Minister Jatuporn Buruspat said the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and checkpoint closures along the border have snarled land transport and logistics previously reliant on routes through Cambodia to reach Vietnam. In response, businesses have turned to alternative solutions, leveraging sea transport and alternative land routes via Laos. The number of shipping lines servicing shipments to Cambodia has increased, while freight costs have fallen. However, over the past week businesses have become concerned about the potential risks associated with the border clashes, prompting many to temporarily halt their trading activities, said Mr Jatuporn. He said if the border closures continue, there is a risk Thai products in Cambodia could be replaced by imports from other countries. To counter this, the ministry is exploring other markets to mitigate potential risk. Mr Jatuporn said the border closures have also impacted Thai investments in Cambodia. According to the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), the value of Thailand's border trade with Cambodia tallied 80.7 billion baht, representing growth of 11.2% year-on-year, during the first five months of this year. Thailand's exports rose by 9% to 63.1 billion baht and imports expanded by 20% to 17.7 billion baht. In May, Thailand's border trade exports with Cambodia grew by 7% to 16.1 billion baht and imports increased by 6.2% to 12.9 billion baht. Trade in June is expected to have decreased due to checkpoint closures since June 7, which suspended the movement of people, some commerce, and both Thai and foreign tourism, said Mr Jatuporn. The DFT previously estimated if the checkpoints remain closed until the end of the year, Thailand would lose border trade worth more than 60 billion baht with Cambodia. He directed provincial commerce offices in the seven Thai provinces adjacent to Cambodia to monitor product availability and pricing to avert shortages and prevent price gouging. High-demand essentials such as instant noodles, canned fish, mosquito repellent spray, and diapers for children and adults are being replenished through collaboration with retailers, alongside ongoing inventory management strategies. Mr Jatuporn presided over the World Tapioca Conference 2025 Wednesday in Bangkok. The event attracted more than 1,000 participants from Thailand and other countries, including industry leaders and importers. During the conference, Thai producers and exporters signed memoranda of understanding with international importers to sell more than 1.48 million tonnes of tapioca products worth roughly 10.9 billion baht. The agreements are expected to utilise 3.57 million tonnes of local fresh cassava roots. In 2024, Thailand's tapioca exports totalled 6.47 million tonnes, generating revenue of more than 110 billion baht. In the first half of this year, exports tallied 5.02 million tonnes, a 39.4% year-on-year increase, but the export value dropped by 11.1% to 54.6 billion baht, primarily due to lower global tapioca prices.
Bangkok Post
30-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
New markets sought for tapioca products
Thailand plans to export tapioca products, with a focus on modified starch and native starch, to new markets including the Philippines, New Zealand and Japan. Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), said the department implemented a strategy to increase the commercial value of Thai tapioca products. The strategy involves engaging high-potential private sector partners to diversify export markets, reduce dependence on a single market, strengthen price negotiation power for exporters, stabilise domestic prices for farmers and enhance the global competitiveness of Thailand's tapioca industry. In the third quarter, the department plans to target new markets including the Philippines, New Zealand and Japan, which have strong animal feed industries and are seen as capable of absorbing future Thai cassava output. While New Zealand previously imported Thai tapioca residue pellets, it reduced imports due to high global tapioca prices. The department wants to lift demand for high-value tapioca tablets, ensuring a secure market for Thai farmers for the 2025/26 crop year. Mrs Arada said Japan is Thailand's second-largest tapioca export market, accounting for 8.4% of total tapioca export value. In the first half of this year, Thailand exported 206,832 tonnes of goods worth 4.6 billion baht to Japan, primarily modified starch. This marked a 18.5% year-on-year decline in value and 1.1% decrease in volume. The Philippines ranks seventh, accounting for 2.4% of Thai tapioca exports. In the first half of this year, Thailand exported 65,737 tonnes valued at 1.29 billion baht, mainly modified starch, marking a decrease of 27.6% in value and a 13.4% drop in volume year-on-year. New Zealand contributed 0.36% to Thailand's total tapioca export value, ranked 18th. During the same period, Thailand exported 29,879 tonnes worth 197 million baht, primarily tapioca residue, a 36.6% year-on-year decline in value and a 13.7% drop in volume. During the first half of this year, Thailand exported 5.02 million tonnes of tapioca products, a 39.4% increase. However, export value dropped by 11.1% year-on-year to 54.6 billion baht due to falling global tapioca prices since early 2025. Mrs Arada said the DFT targets exporting 7.5 million tonnes of tapioca products this year, with China accounting for 51.4% of the total volume, followed by Japan (9.41%), Indonesia (7.41%), Malaysia (4.12%), the US (4%). Other nations accounted for 23.7%.
