Thailand Becomes Third-Largest Rice Exporter, Shipping Record Volume to Africa
Thailand, the world's third-largest rice exporter behind India and Vietnam, has shipped a record volume of 3 million tons of rice to the African continent in 2024, according to data from the Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA) relayed by Ecofin Agency. This level marks a 23% increase compared to 2023 and represents nearly triple the volume of 2022. South Africa, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Mozambique, and Benin are among the top buyers.
According to TREA, the African continent now absorbs nearly 30% of Thailand's annual rice exports, valued at an estimated $1.8 billion.
Tunisia Remains Loyal to India
Despite Thailand's breakthrough in sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, particularly Tunisia, remains largely dependent on India to meet its rice needs. National production is almost non-existent, and according to the latest statistics from the National Observatory of Agriculture (Onagri), over 90% of the rice consumed in Tunisia is imported. Annual consumption oscillates between 40,000 and 50,000 tons, mainly in the form of standard or parboiled white rice, which is more affordable than Thailand's premium long-grain rice. While India remains the largest supplier, Pakistan occupies the second position, and Thailand still represents a secondary origin for Tunisian importers. However, some observers believe that diversifying sources could become strategic in the face of India's export restrictions in recent years.
