Asia rice: Prices in India edge up as demand improves; muted activity seen elsewhere

BENGALURU/MUMBAI/BANGKOK/DHAKA AND HANOI: Indian rice export prices edged up from two-year lows this week, helped by improving demand, while a lack of buying activity and higher supplies weighed on Thailand and Vietnam rates. India’s 5% broken parboiled variety was quoted at $380-$386 per ton, up from the last week’s $378-$384. Indian 5% broken white rice was priced at $373 to $377 per ton this week.

“The weak rupee is helping exporters a bit. We can see some demand coming back,” said Himanshu Agrawal, executive director at Satyam Balajee, a leading rice exporter.

India’s state reserves of rice, including unmilled paddy, totalled a record 59.5 million metric tons as of June 1, far exceeding the government’s target of 13.5 million tons for July 1. Vietnam’s 5% broken rice was offered at $387 per metric ton on Thursday, down slightly from $388 a week ago, according to the Vietnam Food Association.

“Trading activity is muted, but the authorities are seeking to boost shipments to China,” a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City said. A delegation of 20 Vietnamese rice processors and exporters led by trade ministry officials visited China’s Guangdong province last week to seek buyers, the trader said. Thailand’s 5% broken rice slipped to $397 per tonne from $398 quoted last week, on a stronger baht and weak demand. “I’m very worried about farmers, there is a lot of supply and the new crop should have good yield from good water levels,” a Bangkok-based trader said.

Meanwhile, domestic rice prices in Bangladesh remain high despite the government’s efforts to cool the market, traders said. Measures such as increased government procurement, easing import duties and market monitoring have so far failed to significantly reduce the prices of the staple grain. Retailers are still selling coarse and medium-grain rice at prices far beyond the reach of many low-income consumers.