Rice export prices rise in India, Thailand and Vietnam

Rice export prices in major Asian producing countries continued to rise this week, supported by improving demand, a stronger Indian rupee and concerns over tightening supplies. In India, prices were supported by purchases from African importers, while in Thailand and Vietnam, expectations of declining available rice stocks provided additional support. However, overall buying activity in the Asian market remains moderate.

In India, export prices for 5% broken parboiled rice increased to $385–390/t from $382–386/t a week earlier. White rice of the same grade was offered at $390–395/t. The main drivers of the increase were moderate demand from African countries and the strengthening of the Indian rupee to its highest level in nearly seven months. The stronger national currency has forced exporters to raise their dollar-denominated prices to maintain shipment profitability.

In Thailand, prices for 5% broken rice rose to $495–500/t compared with $490–495/t the previous week. Traders expect further moderate price increases amid concerns over tightening supplies and the impact of the conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, demand remains largely limited to regular buyers, including the Philippines. Indonesia is also showing additional interest in Thai rice, considering the possibility of further increases in Indian rice prices. The supply outlook is expected to become clearer when the new crop arrives in February 2027.

In Vietnam, export prices for 5% broken rice increased to $490–495/t. The market was supported by the resumption of purchases from the Philippines amid gradually declining stocks. According to USDA forecasts, Vietnam will retain its position as the world’s second-largest rice exporter in 2026 and 2027. Further price movements will depend on import demand and the volumes of rice available for export.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh plans to purchase 850 thsd tons of rice and paddy from local farmers and millers during the current harvesting season. Despite rising production costs, the government reduced procurement prices for parboiled and non-parboiled rice by 1 taka per kilogram, to 49 and 48 taka, respectively. At the same time, the procurement price for paddy was raised slightly to 35 taka/kg. The decision has raised concerns about whether the established prices will be sufficient to compensate farmers for higher production costs.

Tags: rice, Vietnam, India, Thailand