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The cost of rice is expected to climb over the coming months, as an improving global economy raises demand, and drought cuts production in countries such as India.

Some economists say prices for rice, the staple food for much of the world’s population, could be returning to levels that sparked inflation fears in much of Asia last year.Ms Hitankshi Thukral is deputy dean of the faculty of Economics University of Delhi. She says prices – especially for Indian rice – are being pushed higher by new customers coming into the market after the economic slowdown of the past year.

“They expect that the world demand will increase and we expect that the price of rice will increase next year,” Charuk said. “There are many new markets for the Thai rice and also we still have for our old customer – China, some Arab countries – they will increase the demand.”

Prices on the global market could again near the record above $1,000 a ton set in the middle of 2008. This month, export prices for Southeast Asian rice have jumped from about $550 a ton or less to more than $650.

Vichai Sriprasert, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, says further weakness in the U.S. dollar and concerns over drought in India add to pressure on prices. The dollar weakness contributes to this; the rumors about weather conditions in India, in China, Australia, elsewhere, are also contributing, Vichai said. The dollar will continue to be weaker and weaker – if this turns out to be true other commodities, rice, oil, gold will all go up in price.

Market experts say next year India is likely to try to import three million tons of rice – tapping the world market for the first time in 21 years – because of a drought.
Vichai also warns that increasing demand for bio-fuels from grain could reduce food crops, forcing the price of food grains higher.

This is very serious. That’s why the rice  will not go back to the level that we used to see,” Vichai said. “It will have to be elevated at a higher level, but I don’t know where.The Philippines this week said it is cutting rice imports because of high prices, even though the country lost more than a million tons of grain to typhoons this year.

Officials from Vietnam, a leading export competitor with Thailand, predict prices will reach about $800 a ton by the middle of 2010. This week the Philippines’ National Food Authority offered almost $665 a ton for 600,000 tons of Vietnamese rice.Economists say higher food prices will only increase the problems faced by the region’s poor, who are highly dependent on rice as a staple food.

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Source by Parkash Trading

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In 2006, Thailand’s Gross Domestic Product was $206.2 billions, the growth rate being of 6.2 annually. Thailand’s economy depends mostly on exports, which cover about 65% of the country’s DGP, with purchasing power parity at $ 627 billion. After Indonesia, Thailand is Southeast Asia’s second largest economy and fourth richest nation, after Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore. The financial crisis that occurred in Asia in 1997-1998 also affected Thailand, whose recovery was made mostly through exports. Thai economy is sustained a lot by tourism.

The Bank of Thailand tries to implement some reforms. The government introduced the Financial Sector Reform Master Plan in 2004 in order to strengthen Thailand’s financial sector. Experts considered this reform program successful. There are currently fifteen Thai commercial banks, 3 commercial banks owned by the state, 5 specialized banks owned by the state and seventeen foreign banks.

Thailand’s most important industries are: textiles, garments, tourism, tobacco, tourism, agricultural processing, electric components, jewelry, cement, plastics, computer components and furniture. The industrial sector has risen in percentage from 1984. The agriculture sector is important, although its part in the total General Gross product had decreased in the past few years: in 1984, it was 17.6 and in 2004, the decline was at 9.9%.

Thailand agriculture produces corn, rice, soybeans, coconuts, maize, tobacco, tapioca, sugarcane and rubber. 20% of the land consists of mountains and heels, making cultivation impossible. But some areas can be transformed in order to allow cultivation. Thailand is a great exporter of shrimp and rice. The most important region for rice growing is around the Mae Nam river, where soils are moderately fertile and suitable for cultivation.

Mining is also present in Thailand, a country rich in natural gas, gypsum, tin, rubber, fluorite, lead, tungsten tantalum and lignite. Thailand has been mostly importing tin since 1985, when the tin mining industry started going down. The country also imports oil and gas. Industry brought 43.9% of the country’s GDP in 2007. The workforce used for this was only 14 percent of the population. Half of Thailand’s population works in the agricultural field, 37% work in services and about 20% are used in industry.

In October 2003, Thailand started a FTA (Free Trade Agreement) with China. Thailand is part of the WTO (World Trade Organization) and of the AFTA (Asian Free Trade Area). Thailand imports vehicles, chemicals, fuels, steel and iron. It exports to the United States of America, Europe and Japan.

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Source by Vladimir Gonzalez

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Over the last decade and half the exports of red onions from India has jumped 200 percent. This growth is mostly due to the increasing appetite for Indian red onions in South East Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Philippines.

According to many experts in the field the South East Asia and Asia Pacific region hold major opportunities for red onion exporters from India in coming years. The reason behind this optimism is the rising income of people in the region and dominance of onion in the eating habits of people.

Another geographic area which has emerged as major importer of Indian red onion is the Middle East especially Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan.

The major challenges faced by the onion exporters from India is the rising minimum export price limit per ton which is set almost at 25 to 30 percent higher than the domestic prices. This is done to discourage excessive exports of red onions from India and support regular supply of red onions in the domestic market.

Secondly the system of state canalizing agencies to manage the onion exports has also increased if not the administrative cost then certainly the time cost of doing business. The minimum support price of exporting prices of red onions in India is set by the government agencies every month and it always remain an uncertainty in which direction the prices will move.

Exporting red onions from India presents a really good business opportunity if one is willing to travel few thousand miles in hot Indian summer and negotiate with small farmers before the harvesting season.

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Source by Anand Mann

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Chiang Mai, 761 by rail, approximately 700 kilometers by road north of Bangkok, with an area of 20,107 square kilometers, is Thailand’s second largest city and capital of the northern region. It is an entity unto itself. Chaing Mai counts among its attractions a famous night market, great hill tribe villages nearby and a host of world-class accommodation at less than Bangkok prices. It also has, alas, a reputation for world-class pollutions. The city, like Bangkok earlier is undergoing great strain as it strives to grow in both stature and size. That however does not seem to deter tourists and a veritable army of experts who prefer to call it home.

We all know that Chiang Mai is the city that travellers both Thai and foreign value highly for its charm, extraordinary sites, and people. Also, the reputation for craftsmanship has made Chiang Mai become the centre for exports in the North of Thailand. These are the reasons that visitors are impelled to come here again and again. Therefore, information is always the priority for tourists.

Chiang Mai, 700km northwest of Bangkok, is Thailands second city and the gateway to northern Thailand. There are over 300 temples and monasteries in Chiang Mai, almost as many Bangkok, and the city has a long tradition for arts and crafts.

Once described as one of the loveliest cities imaginable Chiang Mai still retains a certain flavour of the past with its moated old city, ancient wats and leafy back streets. Chiang Mais oldest temple is Wat Chiang Man which dates back to 1296 and is known for its two Buddha images, one made of the stone and the other made from crystal.

Almost as old, Wat Phra Singh in the centre of town contains a 1,500 year old Buddha image and another wat, Wat Chedi Luang, holds the ruins of a huge chedi or stupa that collapsed in an earthquake in 1545.

The Chiang Mai National Museum, just to the north of the city centre, houses an extensive collection of Buddha images and northern Thai handicrafts. Another museum that is worth a visit especially for those preparing to go trekking is the Tribal Museum which houses a good display of hill tribe textiles, jewellery, musical instruments, weapons and other artefacts

Around 15km east of Chiang Mai is Bo Sang, also known as the Umbrella Village, where handmade paper umbrellas and many other hill tribe handicrafts are sold. Another popular excursion from Chiang Mai is a visit to the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre where attractions include elephant rides, elephant bathing and an exhibition on the importance of the elephant in Thai history and culture.

Chiang Mai has a distinct international atmosphere with many foreign businesses and organizations locating in the city over the past decade due to her excellent infrastructure with international direct flight connections to all countries in the region including China, Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, Cambodia and Taiwan.

Shopping is great, be it for handicrafts, clothes or luxury items. Everything can be found at great prices in stores ranging from small family run shops to world class luxury outlets and shopping malls.

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Source by Daniel Jowssey

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ECONOMY. Thailand has a pro-business market economy driven by strong foreign investments and export oriented manufacturing especially in electronics, foods and automobiles. Thailand’s exports account for 60% of the country’s GDP. Thailand experienced strong economic growth prior to the Asian economic crisis of 1997 with GDP growth averaging 9.4% annually. However, the crisis adversely affected businesses in Thailand and saw the value of the Thai Baht decline by more than 50% against the US dollar. Since the crisis, the economy has grown on a growth path.
Thailand’s GDP was US$163.5 billion with a GDP per capita of US$2,537 in 2004. Thailand’s GDP grew by an average of 4.6% annually from 2000 to 2004 driven mainly by exports of high technology products mainly electronics. Inflation remained below 2.0% from 2000 to 2003 but increased to 2.8% by 2004. However, unemployment showed a declining trend from 3.6% in 2000 to 1.8% by 2004.
Nearly 60% of Thailand’s workforce is involved in the agriculture industry but contributed to only 9.8% of the country’s GDP in 2004. The services industry contributed towards 46.1% of Thailand’s GDP and manufacturing 44.1% during the period. Major industries include tourism, electronics, textiles and garments, processed foods, beverages, agriculture produce, jewellery, furniture, plastics, vehicles and vehicle parts and mining of tungsten and tin. Major agriculture products include rice, tapioca, rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybean and milk.

DEMOGRAPHY. Ethnic Thais account for 75% of Thailand’s 65 million population and another 11% are Chinese or Sino-Thais who have assimilated into the Thai culture or are from mixed marriages. Minorities include Malays who lived mainly in southern Thailand and account for 4% of the population. Others include the Mon, Lao, Khmers, Puan and Karen minorities and immigrants from India. Nearly 95% of the country’s population are Buddhists while Malays in Thailand are predominantly Muslims. Thai is the national language while languages used by the minorities include Malay, Isan and Khmer. Schools teach English but proficiency is low and generally, the educated elite are more proficient with the language.
The majority of the Thai population still live in the rural communities though the proportion of the urban population is increasing. Thailand’s urban population increased from 22% of the total population in 2000 to 31% by 2004. Thailand’s capital and major city Bangkok accounts for nearly 8% of the country’s total population. Other major cities include Nonthaburi, Pak Kret, Hat Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai and Udon Thani.
Thailand successfully reduced the poverty level from 27% in 1990 to 10% by 2004. The proportion of the population categorised belonging in the low-income household is estimated at 60% while middle and high-income households account for 30%. The average household income in Bangkok is twice than the national average.

INFRASTRUCTURE. Telecommunication services to the general public are overall adequate. Internet broadband services are mostly concentrated in Bangkok. Cities and towns are well connected by roads but lacks super highways connecting Thailand’s cities and major towns. Cities the major towns are served by airports and well connected by buses and rail system.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE. Thailand’s major trading partners include Japan, US, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan. Main exports from Thailand include electronics, vehicle and vehicle parts, textiles, garments, footwear, seafood, processed foods, rice, rubber, jewellery, electrical appliances including computers. Main imports include machineries and equipments, raw materials and finished products, consumer goods and fuels.

CONSUMER USAGE OF TECHNOLOGY. There were nearly 17.3 million installed fixed-line telephones in 2004 giving a penetration of 40% of all Thai homes installed with telephones. The penetration of mobile phones increased from just 7% of the population in 2001 to 42% or 27 million mobile phones by 2004. The penetration of computers is still low but increased from 5.1% of the households in 2001 to nearly 12% by 2004. The number of internet users reached an estimated 8 million in 2004 but most of the internet users are concentrated in Bangkok and the major cities and towns. The penetration of television in homes in 93% indicating many low-income homes have televisions.

RETAIL MARKET. The retail industry in Thailand totalled an estimated US$24.5 billion in 2004. There are nearly 300,000 traditional “mom and pop” stores in Thailand accounting for 65% of the total retail sales. However, there are 4,500 modern retail establishments (hypermarkets, supermarkets, department stores and convenience stores) accounting for 35% of the total retail sales. Most of the modern retail establishments are located in Bangkok. Shopping in modern retail establishments is increasingly popular and more establishments expected in the near future.

FOOD CULTURE. Rice is the staple food but while those in central and southern Thailand prefer white fragrant rice those in northern Thailand prefer the glutinous variety. Thai dishes are generally hot and spicy but foods from the northern region are generally milder. Thais are less adapting to western foods even if they could afford it compared to consumers in Singapore and Malaysia. However, bakery and coffer shop chains are gaining popularity among young professionals who have adapted to western culture.

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Source by Khal Mastan

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In the news: Executives at Toyota Motor’s new plant in a Bangkok suburb point out that the factory in Thailand is the first to run on clean natural gas.

The factory is equipped with robots and parts movers moving silently on the assembly floors. Toyota’s $426 million facility shows that despite the political unrest in Thailand it has not affected global carmakers’ positive views of the country.

Thailand is renowned worldwide when it comes to the production of one-ton trucks, with projected outputs of 853,000 units for this year alone. The said figure outpaced United States which according to J.D. Power Automotive Forecasting produces only 588,000 units of trucks.

Thailand is the second biggest market for trucks since it’s a common sight in rural areas where most farm products are produced. The domestic sales for this year are forecast at 510,000 units as compared to the 651,000 units forecast in the United States.

According to Vallop Tiasiri, director of the privately-funded Thailand Automotive Institute, “The strength of our truck industry lies in the size of our domestic market that makes production cost competitive. Our traditional political and labor stability also help.”

The Toyota plant has started operation last month and occupies 245 hectares or 605 acres of paddy fields, making Thailand as a major export base for small pickup trucks. Plant Manager Charnchai Suppayakom said, “We ship 4,000 right-hand drive Hilux trucks to Australia a month and another 2,000 of the left-hand version to Saudi Arabia.” He also added that the factory’s initial 100,000 annual production capacity can be quadrupled to answer any increase in future export demand.

ToMoCo’s third Thai facility has been able to increase annual vehicle production output to 550,000 of which 40 percent are shipped or exported overseas. The Thai facility will also be used to manufacture Toyota truck parts. The additional 2,000 workers at the Ban Pho plant bring Toyota’s Thai workforce to 13,500 of which 5,000 are permanent staff while the rest are hired on temporary contracts.

Despite the military coup last September in Thailand that has somewhat affected its image as an investment destination for global companies both the Japanese and US carmakers are determined in staying put. Somphob Manarangsan, an economics professor at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University said, “Japanese firms are investing more in China, but they don’t risk putting all their eggs in one basket. Thai plants are part of their diversification strategy.”

Thailand was able to produce 1.2 million vehicles last year and almost half of which were exported. Thailand’s vehicle tax structure that favors pickups over passenger cars makes the one-tonne truck the champion of the Thai auto industry. Inexpensive diesel has also helped to increase sales. Auto columnist Suphat Tisapong said, “Entry prices for pick-ups and passenger sedans are about the same here at around half a million baht ($14,285). But a pick-up comes with a much larger 2.5-litre engine compared with 1.5 litre for sedans.”

Aside from Toyota, Ford Motor Co, General Motors Corp, Nissan Motor Co Ltd, Mitsubishi Motors Corp, Isuzu Motors Ltd, and Mazda Motor Corp. have also opened factories in Thailand for their export vehicles and mostly have started building their plants after Asia’s 1997/98 economic crisis. Each of them has invested 140,000-180,000 trucks a year, exporting them to 100 countries from Australia and the Middle East to Europe and even reaching Latin America.

Automotive Resources Asia analyst May Arthapan said since most producers have already establish their plants in Thailand there would come a time that the export growth will slow down once output meets global demand . She also added, “The big export rise in recent years is a result of the relocation of production base to Thailand. Once this is over, we should return to more normal growth.”

J.D. Power has estimated that global demand for the small trucks for this year reaches only 2.1 million units and predicted average annual growth of 7.1 percent for the coming 2008 to 2011. As oppose to J.D. Power the Vallop of Thailand Automotive was not that optimistic saying, “This is quite a small vehicle segment with limited growth potential of perhaps 2 per cent a year.” He also added that Thailand would need to shift to other trucks or small sedans once demand for new one-ton trucks ceases.

In recent years the Thai government has offered proposals that include generous incentives for global carmakers just to encourage them to invest in export-oriented facilities for small economy sedans. The Thai government aims to further develop its auto industry which is its second-biggest industry after computers and electronics, employing about 350,000 people and accounting for nearly 15 percent of gross domestic product.

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Source by Gertrude

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In India we can see that a lot of Rice Exporters because agriculture is the back bone of Indians. More over Rice is the common food item in all over the world, particularly in Asia. India’s rice exports are growing year by year and also strengthen the Indian economy. Agricultural products including rice are the major exports from India to various countries. India is the second largest rice exporter in the world. From the Indian market spontaneously exports a variety of high quality rice such as basmati, white rice, single boiled rice etc… In these categories a larger part of the basmati rice production is used to export from India rather than consumption and also has a great demand. Rice extorting have a great role in the Indian economy and foreign money exchange.

There are many other counties such as Thailand, Japan, China – they are also exporting the varieties of rice, but Indian market has a vital demand because this market provides high quality products. Since there are so stiff competitions are happening in the international rice exporting market, the Indian Govt. proposed so many new ideas to overcome the situation. India exports rice to the different continents like Asia, South Africa, Africa, Europe, North Central America, and Oceana… Due to high quality of the basmati rice of Indian market, exporters give more attention to this area of export. The main thing of suffering of non basmati rice exporting market in the Indian market is counties like Thailand, Pakistan can cultivate this non-basmati rice in low cost.

Although the rice exporters are getting some pain from the non-basmati exporting they manage their business through concentrating the basmati. As mentioned earlier rice export has a significant role in the business environment of India. Rice exporting is the major earning of the Indian export and import area. India has a great scope of rice exporting in the international market, so keep these things in mind and if concentrate the rice exporting gives high profit for the exporter and the nation. There is a lot of experiments are occurring in the agricultural field for getting new rice seeds as good as basmati because the international market demands high quality rice and also people around the world needs that type of stuff. For More Info Rice Exporter India

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Source by Ranjith