Record world rice production expected in 2012-2013. - Rice, the basic foodstuff of over half of the world's inhabitants, is expected to hit a record high in production this year, for the third year running, swelling stocks to unknown levels over the past ten years. According to the US Department of Agriculture, world rice production is expected to reach 466 million tonnes during the 2012-2013 harvest years. Historic harvests are expected in about ten countries including Thailand, Vietnam, India, China and Pakistan, which are world producers. Imports, however, are expected to decline by 1.5%, the first time in four years. According to FAO economist Concepción Calpe, supply will be sufficiently great to cover world demand and may lead to a fall in prices. Furthermore, after nearly 50 years of supremacy, Thailand is this year expected to give up its first place as leading world exporter, to be supplanted by India, which is back on the market after a three-year absence, and by Vietnam which is also becoming a serious competitor. Thailand's market share will fall from 30.2% in 2011 to 20-25% in 2012-2013. Thai exports should also fall to 6.5 million tonnes (instead of 10.7 million in 2011) due to the changes brought in by the new government. Thai harvests will now be subsidised and rice stockpiled instead of being placed on the world market. (IL/transl.jl)