Asia rice: Tighter supplies, crop concerns push Indian rice export prices higher

Indian rice export prices extended gains to hit a 10-month peak this week, supported by higher domestic paddy prices amid tightening supplies and concerns over the new-season crop, while domestic prices in Bangladesh stayed elevated due to flood damage.

India’s 5% broken parboiled variety was quoted at $358 to $364 per metric ton this week, up from last week’s range of $356 to $361. Indian 5% broken white rice was priced at $357 to $363.

“Export demand is gradually picking up, as Indian rice remains competitively priced despite the recent increase in prices,” said a New Delhi-based dealer with a global trade house.

The country’s rice exports rose 5% in the first half of 2026 from the previous year, as higher shipments of non-basmati rice offset a drop in basmati exports after the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran disrupted trade with key Gulf markets.

Meanwhile, domestic rice prices in Bangladesh rose again this week, particularly for fine varieties, after two spells of flooding damaged rice crops across the country, traders said.

Vietnam’s 5% broken rice was offered at $430 to $450 per ton on Thursday, compared with $430 a week ago.

“Though demand remains weak with top buyer — the Philippines — tightening its control on imports of rice from Vietnam, exporters won’t offer lower prices as their profit margin is already very low,” a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City said.

“The Philippines’ move to protect its domestic rice production is reasonable, but it has prompted Vietnam to move faster in its shift to growing rice of higher quality and diversifying its export markets.”

Elsewhere, in Thailand, 5% broken rice was quoted at $450 per ton this week, down from $450 to $460 last week, a Bangkok-based trader said.

Demand remained subdued, while supply conditions were largely unchanged from the previous week, the trader said, adding that markets currently awaited next harvest’s yield.