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Thai export rice prices experienced downward pressure and then slightly recovered after Songkran holidays, reflecting tariff changes and adjustments in the global rice market.

MY 2025/26 sugar production is expected to further increase 2 percent from MY 2024/25. MY 2024/25 sugar demand by industrial uses is likely to decline significantly due to the Chinese ban on Thai sugar syrup exports.

FAS Bangkok forecasts stability, with modest growth expected in rice and corn production, supported by favorable weather and strong domestic demand.

MY 2025/26 soybean crushing demand to grow at a slower pace of two percent due to slow economic recovery with uncertainties from the U.S. reciprocal tariff measures.

This report provides information to U.S. exporters of agricultural and related products on how to do business with the Food Processing industry in Panama. It is primarily a service – based economy, but food processing is one of its top industries.

Thailand's beef market offers significant growth potential for U.S. beef exports, particularly in the frozen beef segment. U.S. frozen boneless beef has grown by 24% from 2018 to 2023, reaching a total export volume of 1,083 tons in 2023.

All grades of Thai rice have experienced downward pressure on both domestic farm-gate and export prices.

In 2025, the food and dining landscape is evolving with key trends like preserved foods, sustainability, zero-waste cooking, and high-end groceries. Consumers are drawn to long-lasting, shelf-stable foods and eco-friendly practices.

On January 14, 2025, the Panamanian Food Agency (APA) and the Ministry of Health of Panama confirmed that the dairy plants registration process has been significantly expedited, resolving a trade barrier created on July 17, 2023.

FAS Bangkok forecasts an increase in Thailand's rice and corn production in MY 2024/25 due to acreage expansion and average yield improvement.

Although Panama highlighted the use of biotechnology in its Agricultural State Policy Law 352 of 2023, Panama has not yet established the implementing regulations of Law 48 of 2002, which created the National Commission of Biosafety for Genetically Modified Organisms.

Rice export prices dropped from the previous week.