Thailand has slowed down rice exports to the Middle East

Rice exports from Thailand to the Middle East have been suspended due to the escalation of the military conflict in the region, which has disrupted maritime logistics and complicated supplies. Bloomberg reported this, citing industry representatives.

As noted by Chukiat Ophaswongse, Honorary President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, two ships carrying approximately 80,000 tons of rice bound for Iraq were stopped at the port of Bangkok this week. The cargo was then unloaded and the products returned to warehouses. “Everything has essentially stopped. New purchases are also not happening because no one knows what will happen next,” he said.

According to the agency, Iraq will become the largest buyer of Thai rice in 2025, accounting for approximately 12.7% of all shipments. The grain is transported to the country through the Strait of Hormuz, where the Thai bulk carrier Mayuree Naree was damaged this week.

The country’s rice exports are forecast to fall by around 11% this year to seven million tonnes, the lowest level in five years.

Tags: rice, Thailand, Iraq