BANGKOK, 3 May 2015 – The Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department imported 49,900 tons of rice from Thailand in the first quarter 2015, a 48.9% increase compared to the same period last year. The higher rice exports to Hong Kong brought Thailand’s rice exports to all markets to 62.2% in the first quarter 2015.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce Duangkamon Chiambut said the Hong Kong Trade and Industry imported 80,400 tons of rice during the first three months this year, increasing by 0.75%. Drop in Thai Hom Mali rice price and importers’ higher confidence in Thai rice were important factors which led to the first quarter growth, the spokesperson added. The strengthening of relations between the Thai government and Hong Kong rice importers also helped Thai rice exports achieved a growth target of higher than 60%, she said.
In 2013, Thailand exported 6.6 million tons of rice, worth 4.42 billion USD, worldwide. In 2014, Thai rice exports were 10.9 million tons or 5.34 billion USD.
