Thailand Rice Prices Surge to Seven Month High Following China Purchase Deal
Rising demand from China and other Asian and African markets pushes rice rates higher across Thailand, India, and Vietnam
Thailand, Dec 20 : Thailand’s rice prices climbed to their highest in over seven months following a major purchase deal with China, while India and Vietnam also saw stronger rates due to growing demand.
Thailand’s 5% broken rice was quoted at $415 per metric ton, up from $400 last week, marking its highest level since May 8. Traders noted that prices have continued to rise after China announced in mid-November its plan to buy 500,000 tonnes of Thai rice. The upcoming second rice crop, harvested by March 2026, is expected to remain unaffected by flooding.
In India, export prices edged higher this week amid slightly increased demand. A New Delhi-based exporter stated that Asian and African buyers were making small purchases at lower price levels. India’s 5% broken parboiled rice ranged from $348-$356 per ton, up from $347-$354 last week, while 5% broken white rice was quoted at $345-$350 per ton. The Indian rupee’s record low against the dollar also boosted returns for overseas traders.
Vietnam’s 5% broken rice was offered at $370-$375 per ton on Thursday, up from $365-$370 a week earlier, reaching the highest level since November 6. A Ho Chi Minh City trader noted growing demand from markets such as China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Africa, adding that Vietnamese rice remains more competitively priced than Thailand’s.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh approved the purchase of 50,000 tons of rice via an international tender at $351.11 per ton, CIF liner out, awarded to trading house Bagadiya Brothers. This is part of Bangladesh’s ongoing effort to stabilize domestic prices through repeated international rice imports.
