Asia rice: Indian rice export prices hit 1-year high on production concerns

MUMBAI, DHAKA, BANGKOK, HANOI AND BENGALURU: Indian rice export prices climbed to their highest level in over a year as concerns over production mounted due to below-average rainfall, while Thai rates edged lower and Vietnamese rates remained unchanged.

India’s 5percent broken parboiled variety was quoted at USD375-USD381 per metric ton week, its highest level since July 2025, and up from the last week’s USD371-USD377. Indian 5percent broken white rice was priced at USD372 to USD377 per ton.

“Paddy prices in the local market are rising as traders expect a drop in production, which is effectively pushing up rice export prices as well,” said New Delhi-based trader.

India’s rice production is set to fall this year for the first time in a decade, and by the most in nearly 20 years, as below-normal rainfall during the crop’s maturation period threatens to cut yields, industry officials told Reuters.

In Thailand, 5percent broken rice prices fell to USD470 per ton from USD488 last week, traders said. Demand was weaker because importers have switched to other sources, traders said.

Traders also cited favourable weather in Thailand’s northern and northeastern rice-growing regions, which was good news for the off-season rice, which will come out early next year, a trader said. Vietnam’s 5percent broken rice was offered at USD440-USD445 per metric ton on Thursday, unchanged from a week ago.