Thai rice exports to Iraq have stopped after the conflict in the Middle East disrupted regional shipping routes. Exporters said rising transportation risks and higher insurance costs damaged trade activity with Iraqi markets.
Thai media reports showed that Iraq previously imported between 80,000 and 90,000 tons of Thai rice each month. Annual exports to Iraq had nearly reached one million tons before the conflict interrupted shipments.
Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, confirmed the suspension of exports. He said one vessel carrying rice cargo failed to complete its journey because of security concerns in regional waters.
The ship reportedly unloaded its cargo after facing difficulties during transit operations. Exporters said many shipping companies became more cautious because of instability across Middle Eastern trade routes.
Thai rice exports to Iraq also suffered from rising shipping expenses. Transportation and insurance costs increased by nearly 20 percent during the past three months. Higher global oil prices added further pressure on exporters and shipping firms.
Industry figures showed that Thailand lost more than 200,000 tons of rice exports to Middle Eastern markets recently. Exporters warned that continued instability could create additional losses in the coming months.
Thailand exported only 2.2 million tons of rice during the first four months of 2026. The weaker performance raised concerns about the country’s annual export targets.
Trade officials fear Thailand may struggle to achieve its goal of exporting seven million tons this year. Exporters continue monitoring regional developments before resuming normal shipping operations.
Thai rice exports to Iraq previously represented an important trade relationship between Baghdad and Bangkok. Iraqi markets relied heavily on Thai rice imports because of strong consumer demand and established commercial ties.
Earlier figures from Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade showed that Iraq imported around 95,000 metric tons of Thai rice during the first eleven months of 2025. Thai authorities previously expected national rice exports to reach between 7.8 million and 8 million tons.
Economic experts believe regional conflict could continue affecting food trade and shipping activity across the Middle East. Rising fuel prices and transportation risks remain major concerns for exporters and importers alike.