Asian rice export prices rise amid El Nino supply concerns

Export rice prices across Asia are rising due to growing concerns that El Nino-induced heatwaves will tighten the global food supply.

In Vietnam, 5% broken rice is being offered at 435-455 USD per ton, up from the previous week's range of 430-450 USD per ton. Similarly, Thailand's 5% broken rice prices have increased to 450-455 USD per ton, with demand rising from Malaysia and the Philippines as they increase imports ahead of El Nino impacts.

India has seen its export rice prices reach nearly a one-year high. Indian 5% broken rice is priced at 362-368 USD per ton, while white 5% broken rice is listed at 359-364 USD per ton. Despite disruptions in Basmati trade due to Middle East tensions, India's overall rice exports rose 5% in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year.

To stabilize domestic prices, the government of Bangladesh has approved the import of 100,000 tons of parboiled rice from Vietnam at a price of 416 USD per ton under a bilateral agreement.