Bangkok: "Supajee" continues G to G (government-to-government) negotiations with China, focusing on off-season rice production and supporting domestic prices. The Minister of Commerce revealed that Thailand is preparing to deliver the first batch of 40,000 tons of rice to China, with the aim of delivering the full 500,000 tons by 2026. He also instructed the Department of International Trade to continue negotiations to accommodate the off-season rice crop that is gradually entering the market, in order to stabilize domestic prices.
According to Thai News Agency, Commerce Minister Supajee Suthamphan revealed that the Thai government and the government of the People's Republic of China have reached a government-to-government (G to G) agreement for the purchase of 40,000 tons of rice, with deliveries scheduled to begin gradually from February 2026 onwards. For G to G negotiations, there are several levels of consideration, especially regarding 5% white rice, which is a type that China is interested in, and price is a key factor in the decision-making process.
Previously, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul and Ms. Supajee met at the invitation of Zhang Jianwei, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Thailand. The Chinese side expressed their intention to expedite the purchase of additional rice to meet the set target, which is expected to be achieved in total by 2026. 'The Ministry of Commerce will closely monitor the global rice market and prices, and push forward plans to organize trade delegations to expand the Thai rice market through all channels, coupled with ongoing G to G negotiations to increase market share and enhance food security,' Ms. Supajee said.
Ms. Arada Fuengthong, Director-General of the Department of International Trade, stated that the department plans to penetrate existing and new markets with potential, while continuously promoting the capabilities of SMEs, especially in the high-quality and healthy rice markets in countries with high purchasing power, such as Germany, Switzerland, the United States, Canada, China, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. This includes promoting white rice and parboiled rice in Asian and African markets to build confidence in the quality standards of Thai rice.
Regarding the situation of Thai rice exports, in 2025, Thailand exported a total of 7,899,987 tons, valued at 148,204 million baht, exceeding the target of 7.5 million tons. For 2026, exports are expected to reach approximately 7 million tons. As of January 2026, Thailand has already exported 530,215.64 tons, valued at 9,703.36 million baht. The main markets are Iraq, the United States, South Africa, Malaysia, Angola, Cameroon, Senegal, and China.
It is estimated that if Thai rice prices remain competitive in the global market and the exchange rate is at a suitable and stable level, these factors will support the achievement of the target of 7 million tons of Thai rice exports in 2026. This will also help stabilize the domestic rice market during the dry-season rice harvest.