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The Asian rice market saw mixed developments last week, with Thai rice prices rising to their highest level in over six months, while prices in India and Vietnam remained generally stable. Globally, the rice market is considered to be gradually stabilizing after many fluctuations in 2025, but price trends remain clearly divergent between Asia and Western regions.
In Thailand, the price of 5% broken rice surged to around US$400 per ton this weekend, up from US$375 per ton last week, reaching its highest level since late May 2025. The increase is primarily driven by concerns about shrinking supply due to flooding in several areas of the country, coupled with expectations of improved demand as China commits to purchasing 500,000 tons of Thai rice and is nearing completion of the deal this month. According to traders in Bangkok, the prospect of exports to China, along with the possibility of additional orders from the Philippines, has fueled the rice market's increased activity.
In contrast to Thailand, Indian export rice prices remained virtually unchanged last week. Parboiled rice with 5% broken grains was offered at $347–354 per ton, while white rice with 5% broken grains ranged from $340–345 per ton. The weakening rupee, nearing record lows against the US dollar, helped exporters offset some of the increased costs caused by high domestic paddy prices. High paddy prices in India are partly due to the government raising the minimum purchase price, which in turn drives up input costs for businesses.
In Vietnam, the price of 5% broken rice is being offered at around US$365–370 per ton, almost unchanged from last week. Traders say trading activity is slow due to weak demand. Official figures show that Vietnam's rice exports in November 2025 fell sharply by 49.1% year-on-year to 358,000 tons, clearly reflecting the sluggishness of the market in the short term.
In other markets in the region, Bangladesh has approved a plan to purchase 50,000 tons of rice through an international tender, amid ongoing government struggles to control domestic rice prices despite perceived ample supply and production.
Recent reports indicate that the global rice market is showing signs of stabilization after a year of significant volatility. Rice prices in Asia are trending upwards due to tight supply, while some countries continue to import to replenish reserves, although overall demand remains sluggish. Meanwhile, exporters in the Americas are facing downward pressure on rice prices due to slower delivery times and weakening foreign demand. This development is widening the price gap between Asian and Western rice markets.
Global rice trade is projected to undergo significant adjustments in the near future, as inventories increase in some major producing countries in Asia and trade flows shift. Some Asian countries are expected to expand exports, while import demand in some African and Asian markets is trending upwards again. Analysts predict the global rice market will enter 2026 on a more stable foundation, but with clear regional differences that will shape pricing and trade strategies in the coming year.
Source: https://vtv.vn/gia-gao-thai-lan-cao-nhat-sau-thang-10025121318553752.htm
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