In the first 11 months of the year, Thailandshipped 5.9 million tonnes of rice, earning about 120.8 billion THB. Thefigures represented respective decreases of 5.4 percent and 8.8 percentin volume and value.
Five leading importers of Thai rice during the period were Benin , Iraq , South Africa , the US and Ivory Coast .
The prices of Thai rice have decreased in the world market. OnDecember 18, the price of 5 percent broken white rice dropped to 450 USDper tonne, only 30 USD higher than those of its major competitors suchas Vietnam and India.-VNA