The Rice Trade in Asia

This book analyses the development of the rice trade in Asia since 1945.

This book focuses on the three historically important exporters Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam as well as the two key importers Indonesia and the Philippines. The book addresses the impacts of several major transitions during this period on the rice trade in these nations, namely their initial recovery post-war, the political turbulence during and following the independence struggles of these nations and the impact of the Vietnam War. It also tracks the fluctuating impact of the various El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climatic events across the period on harvest and exports, for example, in events such as the rice crisis of 1973–1975.

Using data from the London Rice Brokers’ Association Circular to create a detailed narrative of the rice trade, this book will be of interest to students and scholars of Asian history, economic history and economic development in post-war Asia.