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Thai Rice 2026 – The Price War and the Path to Premium Markets The year 2026 marks a major challenge for “Thai Rice” on the global stage. World rice production has surged to a historic high of 541–556 million tons. India’s aggressive stock clearance at rock-bottom prices has ignited a price war that shakes the global market. Thailand, in response, has had to revise its export target down to 7.0 million tons from the original 7.9 million tons. Yet within this crisis lies hidden “opportunity.” Thai Jasmine rice and health-focused rice remain star products in global demand. If Thailand plays the right game — shifting from “selling volume” to “selling value” — premium rice, low-carbon rice, and government-to-government (G2G) trade with China will be the keys. SO OK TRADING is committed to driving Thai rice beyond the price war and into the global premium market, guided by the philosophy: FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE. Because we believe: “Thai rice is not just a product, but a story of quality and national pride.”

026 is the year when corn is no longer just a food crop, but a “game of quality and environment” that every country must adapt to. Vietnam is carving out its distinction with unique fresh-eating varieties and the promotion of commercial GMO corn that delivers higher yields at lower costs. Meanwhile, Thailand enforces the strictest measures with the “No Burning Certificate”, raising import standards and safeguarding its environmental image. With demand continuing to surge—especially in the livestock industry—businesses that adapt quickly will not only compete on price but also build credibility and secure advantages on the global stage. ⚡ SO OK TRADING – FAST SHARP RELIABLE Your trusted business partner in this year of transformation

Thai Durian 2026: A Premium Flavor Year Winning China’s Heart, Amid Intensifying Competition The year 2026 has been hailed as the “Golden Year of Flavor” for Thai durians, recognized as the most delicious in recent years. The dry climate enhanced sweetness, firmness, and a beautiful golden hue, while reducing quality issues. Government measures such as “Check Before Harvest” ensured that durians entering the market were fully ripe and of premium quality. Eastern provinces, especially Chanthaburi and Rayong, are at peak season, with Monthong, Kanyao, Chanee, and Puangmanee showcasing unique flavors that the world remembers. In the Chinese market, Thai durians remain beloved as the “King of Fruits” and a symbol of prosperity. From January to April 2026, exports exceeded 310,000 tons, valued at 35.8 billion baht. Yet competition grows fiercer each year, with Vietnam capturing nearly half the market share thanks to advantages in proximity and year-round production. ✨ Summary: This year, Thai durians are at their most delicious in terms of flavor and quality, but maintaining the crown in the global market requires excellence in quality, strict standards, and sharp strategy.

rice Wars, Costly Fertilizer & The New Game of Thai Agriculture Q2/2569 As the Middle East conflict drags on for more than 50 days, oil and naphtha shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz have repeatedly closed and reopened, driving energy prices and freight costs relentlessly higher. At the same time, urea fertilizer prices — tied to natural gas — have surged by 20–30%, forcing Thai farmers to confront a “price war” that has seeped into every field and factory. In this article, SO OK TRADING takes you through the landscape of Thai agriculture in the second quarter — from rising stars like durian and mango to the shadowed challenges of rice and cassava — and explores survival strategies where farmers must pivot toward high-value agriculture and innovation for sustainability. FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE SO OK TRADING — Your Trusted Business Partner

Global Raw Material Crisis: From Middle East Conflict to the Recovery of Energy and Industrial Markets SO OK TRADING | April 18, 2026 After the tension in the Strait of Hormuz that sent oil and raw material prices soaring, the world is now witnessing clear signs of easing and recovery. Crude oil prices have dropped sharply, naphtha is gradually stabilizing though still costly, and chemical fertilizers remain expensive. Yet the overall direction is a tangible return to balance. ⛽ Oil: Prices fell immediately after Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz ⚗️ Naphtha: Supply is returning, but full recovery will take time

Middle East Crisis Update: War • Energy • Finance (April 16, 2026) The Middle East remains tense and complex, with ongoing battles, fragile diplomacy, and economic ripples spreading worldwide. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and continued attacks across multiple fronts have driven oil and naphtha prices sharply higher, while global stock markets swing in response to peace talk headlines. This crisis is not confined to the region — it reverberates across every nation. Rising energy costs, soaring fertilizer prices, and escalating shipping fees are directly impacting the daily lives of people everywhere. Stay informed with our latest English Infographic, which captures the dimensions of war, energy, and finance in a concise, easy-to-understand format — ready to be leveraged for business insights and strategy. SO OK TRADING

Middle East Situation Summary — April 15, 2026 USA • Israel • Iran • Strait of Hormuz BY SO OK TRADING “Fragile Ceasefire • Global Economy on a Tightrope” The Middle East remains tense — the United States has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, Iran refuses to back down, and fighting in Gaza continues. The world is watching closely as the second round of peace talks convenes in Pakistan on April 17. Oil and fertilizer prices remain high • Global inflation shows no relief • International markets are in “wait-and-see negotiation” mode. SO OK TRADING FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE

Hormuz Strait Crisis 2026: When Fertilizer Becomes a “Scarce Resource” and the World Struggles to Breathe Article by SO OK TRADING | April 14, 2026 The world is facing a “crisis upon crisis” shaking energy, food, and the global economy. With the U.S. blockade of the Hormuz Strait, vital shipping routes for energy and fertilizer raw materials have come to a standstill. Over 1 million tons of fertilizer remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel, and agricultural production costs worldwide have soared to unprecedented levels. This is not merely an “international political issue” — it is a global warning that fertilizer has become an indispensable strategic resource. The fallout is driving stagflation, a dangerous mix of economic stagnation and soaring inflation. SO OK TRADING invites you to explore this situation in depth — its causes, impacts, and the strategies being discussed worldwide — so that Thai businesses and farmers can prepare wisely in an era where fertilizer is the new gold of the world.

✨ Mango Sticky Rice: Thailand’s Sweet Power Dessert That Makes the World Smile and Embrace Global Soft Power ✨

✨ Thai Durian 2026: From Chanthaburi Orchards to Global Markets… A Flavor Winning Hearts Across Continents ✨ This April marks the Golden Season of Thai durian — not just a fruit, but a brand of taste that reflects quality, standards, and the diverse preferences of consumers worldwide. From the Mass Market in China and Japan to the Gourmet Market in Singapore and Hong Kong, Thai durian is ready to captivate every continent with its unique varietal character. SO OK TRADING invites you to experience the rich sweetness of Thai durian at the Premium Standard, ensuring both exquisite flavor and world-class quality.

The Naphtha & Fertilizer Crisis: Two Storms Shaking the World & ASEAN In April 2026, the world faces a double shock — a severe shortage of Naphtha and chemical fertilizers triggered by the Hormuz Strait conflict. From skyrocketing plastic costs to soaring food prices, this crisis is reshaping global supply chains and pushing ASEAN into a new High-Cost Era. But amid disruption lies opportunity:

Thai Fruit Season April 2026: Premium Flavors & Global Opportunities April is the golden season when Thai fruits flourish in abundance. Durian, mango, lychee, and a wide variety of tropical fruits reach their peak, offering the sweetest and freshest flavors of the year. Thai fruits are not only delicious and unique but also carry the prestige of Geographical Indication (GI), reflecting local wisdom and identity, and serving as a powerful selling point in global markets. From early-season durians of Eastern Thailand with their rich, creamy textures, to the GI lychee of Samut Songkhram with its intense sweetness and floral aroma, and the Ok Rong and Nam Dok Mai mangoes — the perfect companions to sticky rice — every fruit represents the “true taste of Thailand” that the world has come to love. In 2026, Thai fruits continue to impress international markets. From China, Korea, Japan, and Singapore to Europe and the Middle East, Thai fruits are celebrated for their premium flavors, high quality, and strict production standards. This year, production is expected to grow by about 5.8%, creating even greater opportunities for expansion. SO OK TRADING is ready to be your trusted business partner in exporting premium Thai fruits to the global market — offering durian, mango, mangosteen, and many more, with services that are always FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE.

Global Turning Point: Rising Energy Costs, Economic Volatility, Yet Business Opportunities Ahead ✨ Analysis by SO OK TRADING On March 31, 2026, the Middle East conflict shook the global economy. Oil and gas prices surged to multi‑year highs, driving production costs across industries — from plastics and fertilizers to food and metals. Stock markets worldwide faced heavy volatility, while gold remained a “safe haven” asset with heightened risk. Yet amid this uncertainty, new opportunities emerge for businesses ready to adapt — whether through embracing the Circular Economy, investing in renewable energy, or accelerating recycling and low‑carbon technologies. SO OK TRADING sees this as a pivotal moment: - Companies shifting toward sustainability will gain an edge. - Investors seeking opportunities in crisis will find new pathways in Green Energy and alternative supply chains. - Consumers will increasingly turn to eco‑friendly, cost‑efficient products.

“Golden Season of Thai Fruits: Q2/2026 Agricultural Boom, Durian Surges, Rice Faces Fierce Battles”

hailand as the “Food Innovation Hub” From raw materials to added value! Thai processed fruits, innovative rice products, health foods, and alternative proteins are reaching global markets, backed by standards and quality trusted worldwide.

Thailand as the “Food Innovation Hub” From raw materials to added value! Thai processed fruits, innovative rice products, health foods, and alternative proteins are reaching global markets, backed by standards and quality trusted worldwide.

Power of Thai Agricultural Products Reaching the World

“Thai Canned Food & Smart Packaging: The Global Kitchen Leading with Taste and Innovation” When the freshness of Thai canned food moves forward together with smart packaging that delivers sustainability, safety, and convenience, Thailand continues to win the hearts of consumers worldwide. Thailand is a global leader in canned tuna, tropical fruits, and premium pet food, supported by packaging innovations such as Easy-Open lids, BPA-Free coatings, and 100% recyclable aluminum cans. Key Export Markets: USA • Middle East • Japan • Europe Opportunities: Health trends, organic food, and AI in supply chain management Challenges: Volatile metal costs and low-cost competitors Read the full article by SO OK TRADING www.sooktrading.com Contact us: sooktrading@outlook.com SO OK TRADING — FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE Your trusted partner in Thai canned food business

“Hormuz Strait on Fire – Global Logistics Shaken, Freight Costs Exploding” SUPPLY & DEMAND SHOCK from the Middle East | March 13, 2026 Article by SO OK TRADING When Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz and attacked merchant vessels, over 30% of the world’s oil shipping routes were instantly disrupted. Crude oil prices surged past $150 per barrel, and freight rates skyrocketed 2–3 times within days. -

Thai Fruit Trends 2025–2026 are entering an exciting new era, full of global business opportunities! SO OK TRADING presents an overview of Thailand’s rapidly growing fruit export market, both in volume and quality. Durian, mangosteen, and Nam Dok Mai mango have become the “superstars” across international markets.