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Informist, Thursday, Apr. 2, 2026

 

NEW DELHI – The FAO All Rice Price Index averaged 100.1 points in March, down 3% from February and nearly 4% from a year ago, according to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Prices of rice fell across all major markets last month, according to the report.

 

In Asia, market sentiment weakened in March due to the escalating conflict in West Asia, which disrupted trade flows to Persian Gulf countries--key importers accounting for about 11% of global rice trade. Shipments were delayed or re-routed, freight and insurance costs rose, and new bookings were curtailed, dampening demand, the FAO said. Currency depreciation against the dollar in major exporters such as India, Thailand, and Vietnam further pressured prices, while new harvest arrivals added to supply, it said.

 

The Indica rice index fell to 100.2 points in March, down about 3.0% from the previous month, reflecting generally weaker export quotations across key Asian origins. The Aromatic rice index declined to 100.5, down 2.5% on month, while the Japonica index eased 2.1% to 98.2. The steepest fall was seen in the Glutinous rice index, which dropped 5.8% on month to 99.8, the report showed.

 

Despite the bearish tone in Asia, sentiment was relatively firmer in the Americas. Prices in the US remained steady, while Brazil and Uruguay recorded gains of 3% and 4%, respectively, marking their first notable increase in 19 months, the organisation said.
 

India's Pusa Basmati rice prices fell to $1,075 per tonne in March from $1,150 in February. The average price of 25% broken non-basmati rice declined to $329.4 per tonne from $338.5, while 5% broken rice fell to $343.6 per tonne from $352.0. The price of 5% parboiled rice also eased to $349.5 per tonne from $356.2 in February.
 

Prices in other key exporting countries also declined. Prices of Thailand's A1 Super rice fell to $368.5 per tonne in March from $384.3 in February, while those of Thailand's 25% broken variety dropped to $378.5 per tonne from $403.7. Vietnam's 25% broken rice price slipped to $333.0 per tonne from $336.2. Pakistan's 5% broken rice declined to $350.6 per tonne from $364.8, although its basmati rice prices rose marginally to $1,072.6 per tonne from $1,064.9 in February.  End

 

US$1 = INR 93.10

 

Reported by Pallavi Singhal

Edited by Tanima Banerjee

 

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