Vietnam exports 7.5 million tons of rice.

Illustrative image.

Vietnamese rice export prices remained almost unchanged last week compared to the previous week. Trading activity remained slow due to weak market demand. In Vietnam, the price of 5% broken rice was offered at around 365-370 USD/ton, almost unchanged from the previous week. Traders said trading was slow due to weak demand.

Official figures show that Vietnam's rice exports in November 2025 fell sharply by 49.1% compared to the same period last year, to 358,000 tons, clearly reflecting the sluggishness of the market in the short term.

Cumulative rice exports up to November 30 reached 7.535 million tons, valued at $3.851 billion, a decrease of 10.88% in volume and 27.37% in value compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Vietnam Food Association.

Along with Vietnam, Indian rice prices generally remained stable. Meanwhile, in the Asian rice market, Thai rice prices rose to their highest level in over six months last week. Globally, the rice market is considered to be gradually stabilizing after many fluctuations in 2025, but price trends remain clearly differentiated between Asia and Western regions.

In Thailand, the price of 5% broken rice surged to around US$400 per ton by the end of the week, up from US$375 per ton the previous week, reaching its highest level since late May 2025. The increase was primarily driven by concerns about shrinking supply due to flooding in several areas of the country, coupled with expectations of improved demand as China committed 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 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.

Comment (0)