Southeast Asia's Rice Surplus

Abstract

Southeast Asia is the leading source of world rice exports. Production growth in the region has slowed over the last decade. However, weaker consumption growth has allowed for export of a growing surplus. Rice markets favor varieties with relatively low yields but high consumer acceptance. Projections to 2021 foresee continued large exports from Southeast Asia, as regional exporters, including Thailand and Vietnam, are expected to produce enough rice to satisfy the import needs of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, while continuing to serve large import markets outside the region.