Chachoengsao: Thailand is accelerating the delivery of its first government-to-government rice shipment to China, ensuring strict quality control at every stage. The Director-General of the Department of International Trade visited Chachoengsao to oversee the dispatch of the initial batch of 40,000 tons of Thai rice to the Chinese government under this agreement. The focus is on maintaining quality standards to build confidence in the Chinese market, supporting the absorption of the second rice crop, and stabilizing Thai rice prices.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Arada Fuangthong, Director-General of the Department of International Trade, inspected the operations at Asia Golden Rice Co., Ltd. in Chachoengsao Province. This visit aimed to monitor the delivery process of the first batch of rice to COFCO Corporation of China. Ms. Fuangthong highlighted the importance of ensuring quality control from selection to export preparation, in alignment with the contract requirements and standards set by the Chinese authorities.
This delivery represents the ninth installment of the contract and is the first under the new 500,000-ton rice deal between Thailand and China. Asia Golden Rice Co., Ltd., alongside over 20 other companies, is responsible for this initial shipment.
This initiative aligns with the directives of Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, Minister of Commerce, who tasked relevant parties with expediting the rice delivery and ensuring the readiness of product preparation and delivery procedures. The first batch is scheduled for delivery by March 2026, aiming to meet the quality standards required for export.
The export of this rice batch is expected to absorb the yield of the second rice crop entering the market, supporting the expansion of Thai rice exports and positively impacting the stability and pricing of rice in Thailand.
Ms. Arada stated that this first rice delivery is a significant step in agricultural trade cooperation between Thailand and China. It enhances the relationship between the two nations and presents an opportunity to boost Thai rice exports internationally. The government-to-government agreement is crucial for stabilizing the Thai rice market, managing domestic supply, reducing surpluses, and improving the competitiveness of Thai rice globally. The Department of International Trade will continue to work with China to ensure the fulfillment of the 500,000-ton rice delivery by 2026.
In terms of Thai rice exports to China, 654,770 tons were exported in 2025, marking a 48.98 percent increase from 2024. In January 2026, 20,544 tons were exported, an 84.47 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. The primary export products include glutinous rice, Thai jasmine rice, and white rice.