The Department of International Trade reveals that Malaysia imported the most Thai rice in the first half of 2026, exceeding 320,000 tons. They are confident that the total for the year will break a 20-year record of 700,000 tons, emphasizing Thailand’s strengths in quality and timely delivery.

Ms. Arada Fuengthong, Director-General of the Department of International Trade, revealed that she had assigned Ms. Chaninthon Hrimcharoen, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Trade, to lead a delegation of government officials and representatives from the Thai Rice Exporters Association to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on August 5, 2026, to discuss and strengthen rice trade relations with Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS), the exclusive rice importer in Malaysia. The delegation exchanged information on the rice market situation, food security policies, Malaysia’s rice import trends, and the outlook for rice purchases in 2026. 

Malaysia is the number one importer of Thai rice, importing 320,000 tons in the first half of the year.

Statistical data shows that Malaysia’s rice consumption demand is approximately 2.69 million tons, while its production is only 1.42 million tons. Therefore, it needs to import approximately 1.46 million tons of rice to support food security and maintain domestic market stability. As a result, in the first half of 2026, Thailand was the number one source of rice imports, totaling 327,995 tons. 

Of the total rice imports, 710,656 tons, or 46%, Vietnam followed with 232,416 tons, India with 62,115 tons, and Cambodia with 57,602 tons. 

“It’s a very positive sign that Malaysia has regained its position as the number one importer of Thai rice in the first half of this year, exceeding the total import volume from Thailand for all of 2025, which is 264,605 ​​tons. This reflects the outstanding resurgence of Thai rice in the Malaysian market. We are confident that Thai rice exports to Malaysia this year will definitely surpass 700,000 tons, the highest in over 20 years.”

BERNAS highlights the strengths of “Thai rice”: excellent quality and on-time delivery.

Malaysia primarily imports white rice from Thailand, which has a relatively firm texture and cooks well. BERNAS emphasizes the need for Thailand to maintain this quality to meet market demands and reiterates that Thailand remains a crucial and reliable source of rice for Malaysia. They also commend Thai rice exporters for delivering on contracts. Furthermore, BERNAS notes that rice procurement decisions are not solely based on price, but also prioritize quality, consistency, and timely delivery—key strengths of Thai exporters. Meanwhile, Thai jasmine rice and fragrant rice continue to be recognized for their quality and have market opportunities to expand among consumers who prioritize quality, despite facing price competition from fragrant rice from rival countries. 

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