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The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Philippines suspends rice imports for 60 days, hitting Thai exporters
BANGKOK: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced after a Cabinet meeting that he would order a 60-day suspension of rice imports, from Sept 1 to Oct 30, to ease the impact of falling paddy prices during the harvest season. The move follows a proposal from Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, who recommended a temporary halt to rice imports. The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that the domestic rice market has been under pressure from cheap imported rice, forcing some traders to buy paddy from farmers at only 8–10 pesos per kilogramme, well below the production cost of 12–14 pesos per kilogramme. Farmers blamed the influx of cheap imports as the main reason for the depressed farmgate prices. According to the Thailand's Office of Commercial Affairs in Manila, the suspension applies to regular milled rice and well-milled rice, while basmati and other speciality rice varieties will be exempted. Industry stakeholders noted that reducing imports will increase reliance on domestic harvests, pushing farmgate paddy prices higher. However, retail rice prices are also expected to rise by about 1–2 pesos per kilogramme. Thai exporters hit by Philippine rice import suspension, Commerce Ministry eyes new markets - Photo: The Nation/ANN Arada Fuangtong (pic), Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Commerce, said Thai rice exporters had reported that the Philippine government's decision to suspend rice imports would affect exports. Other rice-exporting countries would also face similar impacts, as pending orders might not be delivered before the Sept 1, 2025, deadline. She added that Philippine rice importers were discussing the matter among themselves and planned to petition the relevant authorities to allow flexibility for shipments already contracted, or alternatively to request that the suspension be lifted. Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Trade is preparing measures to support Thai rice exports and secure new orders to absorb domestic output and generate income for farmers. These measures include expanding markets and strengthening trade relations to build confidence and boost Thai rice exports. Key initiatives include accelerating government-to-government (G2G) rice sales agreements, such as the remaining 280,000 tonnes under the contract with China's state-owned COFCO; promoting exports of white rice and parboiled rice to high-demand markets such as Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq; organising a trade mission to Japan from September 7–11, 2025; and hosting a delegation of Hong Kong rice importers in Thailand in November 2025. In addition, Thailand is promoting and publicising the image of Thai rice at international trade fairs to boost opportunities and expand export channels. The Thailand Rice Convention (TRC) roadshow is also being organised, featuring seminars for rice farmers to update them on global market demand trends. The aim is to encourage farmers to produce rice varieties that align more closely with international demand, with the programme scheduled for August. In 2024, Thailand exported rice to the Philippines worth US$333 million, a 58.69% increase from US$210.45 million in 2023. During the first half of 2025 (January–June), Thailand exported about 141,000 tonnes of rice to the Philippines, accounting for just 3.78% of the country's total rice exports. 'We expect overall Thai rice exports this year to reach the target of 7.5 million tonnes,' Arada said. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
06-08-2025
- Business
- The Star
Laos eyes deal with United Arab Emirates to ease fuel shortage
Manothong Vongsay (right) meeting with Bader Abdullah Al Matrooshi in Vientiane. -- Ministry of Industry and Commerce VIENTIANE: The government is reaching out to the United Arab Emirates in a bid to secure more affordable fuel supplies and expand cooperation in trade, investment, and renewable energy. The proposal was made by Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Manothong Vongsay during a recent meeting in Vientiane with the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Laos, Bader Abdullah Al Matrooshi, according to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. As rising global fuel prices continue to place pressure on the Lao economy, Manothong asked the United Arab Emirates to consider providing fuel at a reduced price, to help ease the burden of domestic shortages and bring greater stability to the energy market. Laos currently imports fuel mainly from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. From January to June this year, the government spent more than US$557 million on diesel alone, according to figures from the Department of Foreign Trade published on the Ministry of Industry and Commerce's website. While the terms of a possible fuel partnership have not yet been disclosed, the two sides expressed interest in building a stronger foundation for long-term energy cooperation. Manothong also invited Emirati investors to explore business opportunities in Laos, saying that closer economic ties would benefit both countries. He encouraged more high-level visits from government and private sector representatives to enhance mutual understanding and open the door for further collaboration. Trade between Laos and the United Arab Emirates has grown steadily over recent years, with a combined value of more than US$96 million recorded from 2020-2024. During this period, Laos exported goods worth US$26 million to the United Arab Emirates, including chemicals, paper, tobacco, and clothing. In return, Laos imported products worth US$69 million, mostly comprising books and newspapers, plastic products, animal feed, crude oil, lubricants, engine oil and grease, mechanical equipment, and synthetic fibres. During the talks, the two delegations reaffirmed their commitment to renewable energy development and agreed to proceed with plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on renewable energy cooperation. The proposed agreement covers seven key areas, including the sharing of technical expertise, capacity building, development of new energy sources, and support for energy efficiency and conservation measures in Laos. The two delegations said they hoped the partnership would pave the way for a cleaner and more resilient energy future, while also strengthening diplomatic and economic ties. - Vientiane Times/ANN
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%.
