HANOI: Vietnamese rice export prices edged higher this week amid concerns about possible crop impact from El Nino weather phenomenon, while elevated Thai rates prompted buyers to shift to less expensive Indian varieties.
Vietnam’s 5 percent broken rice was offered at USD410-USD415 per metric ton on Thursday, compared with USD405-USD415 a week earlier.
“Concerns about the possible impact of El Nino on rice production might prompt buyers to increase their rice stockpiling,” a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City said.
Vietnam’s rice exports in the first half of 2026 are estimated at 5 million metric tons, up 5.7 percent from a year earlier, state media said citing the agriculture ministry.
Thailand’s 5 percent broken rice was quoted at USD480-USD500 per metric ton, up from last week’s USD460-USD480, a trader in Bangkok said.
Demand from Africa has dropped 30 percent due to high Thai rice prices, with buyers shifting to Indian rice, according to a Bangkok-based trader.
“As for supply, we have to see how the new crop comes out around July and August,” the trader said, adding that there were concerns about a super El Nino.
India’s 5 percent broken parboiled variety was quoted at USD337-USD342 per ton, unchanged from last week, as ample supplies offset a modest improvement in demand.
Indian 5 percent broken white rice was priced at USD343-USD349.
“There are concerns over this year’s production because of poor rainfall. However, the market is currently overlooking this factor, as carryover stocks from the previous two seasons remain more than adequate,” a Kolkata-based dealer said.
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