Thai jasmine rice — known at origin as Hom Mali — is prized worldwide for its naturally sweet aroma and soft, delicate grains. In 2026 it is also at the center of one of the most closely watched stories in global grain trade: Thai exports are heading toward a five-year low even as the rice itself commands the highest price on the market. For importers and distributors, understanding why is key to sourcing smartly this year.
Thai rice exports are under pressure in 2026
The Thai Rice Exporters Association has set a 2026 export target of around 7 million tonnes, down roughly 11% from about 7.9 million tonnes in 2025 — what would be the lowest level in five years. Early-year shipments confirmed the trend, with January volumes falling sharply year on year.
Two forces are doing most of the damage. The first is a strong Thai baht, which has hovered near 31 to the US dollar and makes Thai rice more expensive in dollar terms than rice from competing origins. The second is intense competition: India alone supplies close to 40% of global rice exports and has been releasing large inventories, keeping worldwide prices under pressure even as overall global rice trade reaches a record of roughly 62.8 million tonnes.
Hom Mali commands the world’s highest price
The quality premium for genuine Thai jasmine rice has never been clearer. Thai Hom Mali has been quoted at around USD 1,170–1,200 per tonne in early 2026 — the highest of any major exporter — compared with far lower quotes for Vietnamese jasmine and Cambodian fragrant grades. That gap reflects a real difference in aroma, grain quality, and consistency, but it also means buyers must weigh authenticity against budget.
A further factor for US-bound buyers: temporary American import duties under Section 122 have applied a blanket 15% tariff for a 150-day window, which could reduce Thai jasmine shipments to the United States — historically about half of all Thai jasmine exports — by an estimated 15–20%.
What this means for importers and distributors
For buyers, 2026 is a year to be deliberate about rice sourcing:
- Authenticity is worth paying for. Genuine Thai Hom Mali sits at a premium for a reason — its fragrance and texture are difficult to replicate, and customers notice. For markets where quality sells, real jasmine rice protects your brand.
- Plan around currency and tariff swings. Because the baht and trade measures are moving prices, locking in supply agreements early can shield you from further appreciation.
- Match the grade to the market. Premium fragrant rice for quality-focused retail; competitively priced grades where price sensitivity dominates.
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Source genuine Thai jasmine rice direct
Our Real Thai Jasmine Rice is authentic long-grain Hom Mali, naturally fragrant and free from artificial colors and flavors. It pairs naturally with Korean favorites from our SAMYANG FOOD range for retailers building a complete Asian-food aisle.
As a company headquartered in Thailand, Wichan Jantapha Co. LTD supplies genuine Thai jasmine rice at source-direct wholesale prices. Contact us for a quote, and review our payment options and shipping & delivery policy.
