Vietnam to Do Rice Exports, Thai Rice Exports Targets, Import & Policy Updates: Top Rice News
January 23, 2026
Vietnam To Do Rice Exports Of 7.73 Million Tonnes Of Rice In 2026
Local Daily An Ninh Thu Do reported on Wednesday that Vietnam’s rice exports are expected to be 7.73 million tons in 2026, citing the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Nearly, 75 percent of the export volume, or around 5.8 million tons, is expected to be high- quality and fragrant rice, the report said. Notably, Rice exports in the first half of 2026 are forecast to reach over 4 million tons , mainly concentrated in January, March and April. Moreover, exports in the second half of the year are estimated at approximately 3.7 million tons, peaking in July, August and September. According to the Ministry, Vietnam exported 8.06 million tons of rice in 2025, generating total export revenue of 4.1 billion U.S dollars
Thailand’s 2025 rice exports top target at 7.9 million tonnes
According to the Department of Foreign Trade, Thailand surpassed its 2025 rice export target, shipping 7.9 million tonnes worth 148.9 billion baht (about U$$4.5 bn), above the 7.5 million tonne goal. White rice remained the largest category at 3.62 million tonnes, accounting for 45.8% of exports, but volumes dropped nearly 40% year on year due to intense price competition. Moreover, other segments performed better , including Thai Hom Mali rice at 1.76 million tonnes, parboiled rice at 1.51 million tonnes and gains in glutinous and brown rice, while Thai fragrant rice reduced. Looking forward, authorities expect tougher competition from Vietnam, India and Pakistan in 2026, along with exports forecast to drop to around 7 million tonnes.
Government issues Fresh Permits for 2 Lakh Tonnes of Rice Imports
Bangladesh’s food ministry has sanctioned fresh permits for private traders to import 200,000 tonnes of parboiled rice, taking total private-sector import approvals this fiscal year to 800,000 tonnes, as the government seeks to curb rising rice prices. The move emerges despite comfortable public stocks and an above-average Aman harvest forecast, and no sharp surge in prices so far. Whereas officials state that the step is precautionary after recent increases in fine rice prices, agro economists have condemned the decision as unnecessary, warned it could depress domestic prices and hurt Aman Farmers. Government rice stocks remain strong, along with imports also ongoing for public reserves, and overall rice production in 2025 is anticipated to be above average.
Fortified Rice Manufacturers Move Punjab And Haryana HC, Allege Arbitrary Change In Punjab’s Supply Policy
Recently, a group of Punjab-based Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) manufacturers has moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court, challenging alleged midstream changes to the Fortified rice procurement process for Kharif Marketing Season 2025-26. The Manufacturers have sought to quash two official letters issued in December 2025 and January 2026, alleging they arbitrarily altered the supply chain, allocation and payment mechanism set out in the original tender. They argue that the changes, introducing a first-come, first-served supply system and departmental release orders, breach the tender conditions and constitutional guarantees for fairness, and amount to a post-award change in rules for contracts associated with the Centre’s fortified rice programme.