Commodities
Global Supplies of Sugar, Rice at Risk From Looming Thai Drought
- Farmers advised to conserve water, avoid second rice crop
- Prolonged dry spell risks fueling inflation, economic recovery
Below-average rainfall in Thailand could even threaten the nation’s position as the world’s second-biggest supplier of rice.
Photographer: Luke Duggleby/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Thailand is preparing contingency plans to deal with a potential drought that could last years and squeeze global supplies of sugar and rice.
Rainfall across the nation may be as much as 10% below average this monsoon season, and the onset of the El Niño weather pattern could lower precipitation even further over the next two years, according to government officials. Thailand is facing widespread drought conditions from early 2024, authorities have warned.