The exports exceeded a target of 7.5 million tonnes,with top markets being Iraq, South Africa, China, and the US, it said in astatement.
Thai rice exports were strong last year because ofthe weak baht, according to Ronnarong Phoolpipat, head of the ministry’s TradePolicy and Strategy Office.
Earlier this month, the Thai Rice ExportersAssociation lowered its target for 2023 from 8 million tonnes to 7.5 million asthe baht, which is which is now trading around 32.50 to the US dollar, has appreciateddramatically after reaching a low of 38 last October.
The price of benchmark 5% white rice remains high inworld markets, having risen from 465 USD a tonne in mid-December to 523 USD asof January 18, said the association.
Thai rice exports also benefited last year fromexport curbs imposed by India in order to shore up local food security.
Authorities in Delhi are now considering removingsome of those curbs as domestic prices have stabilised and governmentstockpiles are adequate to meet the needs of welfare programmes./.