Thai Rice Exporters Association yesterday said rice exports were expected to drop 31 per cent in volume this month, although domestic prices were rising.

The association reported the Kingdom's rice exports between March 1 and last Thursday plunged 31.73 per cent to 610,291 tonnes. They also fell 36.36 per cent to 1.89 million tonnes for the year as of last Thursday.

However, export prices have increased for each type. Jasmine rice is now quoted at US$904 (Bt32,100) a tonne, up from $898 on March 18.

The association said the drop in export volume derived from export acceleration last year. However, the second crop's production has not yet entered the market to help shore up prices further.

Foreign Trade Department director-general Apiradi Tantraporn yesterday said the Thailand Rice Convention 2009 would be held from July 13-14. The event is designed to promote Thai rice and its production for food security in terms of price and supply.

Source: The Nation