• Africa imported a record 3 million tonnes of Thai rice in 2024, a 23.3% increase over 2023.

• South Africa, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique, and Benin accounted for over 70% of imports.

• Analysts warn imports may drop in 2025 but note rising demand for Thai parboiled rice in West Africa due to price and quality advantages.

Thailand ranks as the world’s third-largest rice exporter after India and Vietnam. Each year, it sends a significant share of its rice shipments to Africa.

In 2024, Africa imported a record 3 million tonnes of Thai rice, according to data from the Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA) compiled by Agence Ecofin. This volume marks a 23.3% rise from 2023 and more than doubles the 1.09 million tonnes shipped in 2022.

South Africa led the growth with 833,184 tonnes, followed by Senegal (461,804 tonnes), Côte d’Ivoire (310,839 tonnes), Mozambique (287,125 tonnes), and Benin (286,649 tonnes). Together, these five countries accounted for over 70% of the total imports.

Other emerging importers included Angola (179,251 tonnes), Togo (144,552 tonnes), the Democratic Republic of Congo (109,425 tonnes), Congo (87,216 tonnes), and Ghana (57,458 tonnes).

TREA reports that Africa absorbed 30% of Thailand’s total rice exports in 2024, which totaled 9.94 million tonnes, costing about 60 billion baht or $1.8 billion.

Possible Drop in 2025

Some analysts predict a sharp decline in imports by the end of 2025. Between January and April 2025, Africa imported 617,995 tonnes of Thai rice, down nearly 32% year-on-year. The drop stems mainly from falling demand in Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Market watchers urge close monitoring of trends in the coming months. According to Platts, demand for Thai parboiled rice is resurging in West Africa, driven by better price competitiveness compared to Indian rice.

Platts states that the FOB price for a tonne of 100% whole grain Thai parboiled rice stood at $375, while Indian parboiled rice with 5% broken grains cost $381 per tonne FOB.

This price difference, combined with Thai rice’s superior quality, could boost its appeal in the sub-region, especially in quality-sensitive markets like Nigeria.

A Nigerian industry source told Platts that Nigerians would prefer Thai parboiled rice if it were more accessible, citing its long grain and premium quality. The source noted that imported Thai rice costs between 70,000 and 75,000 nairas ($95 to $97), while Indian parboiled rice costs between 60,000 and 62,000 nairas ($78 to $80). Despite the price gap, Nigerians favor Thai rice.

Espoir Olodo