India's rice export prices have surged to a near three-month high, driven by increased local paddy costs. According to reports from December 31, 2025, the price of India's 5% broken parboiled variety reached $355-$360 per ton, marking the highest level since October 2. In comparison, the previous week's quote was $350-$357 per ton.

However, while India sees rising prices, traders in Thailand and Vietnam are experiencing concerns due to persistent lackluster global demand. A Bangkok-based trader noted that both exporters and traders have faced a tough time this year as prices have fallen.

In Thailand, the 5% broken rice variety was quoted at $410 per ton, holding steady from the previous week. Despite the stable pricing, buyers have largely ceased purchasing rice since Christmas week, with only some deliveries occurring. The market anticipates increased output from the upcoming harvest early next year, but the supply situation remains largely unchanged.

Similarly, Vietnam's 5% broken rice was offered at $360-$365 per metric ton, unchanged from the prior week. A trader in Ho Chi Minh City stated that trading activity is subdued as a mini-harvest in the Mekong Delta is concluding, and external demand remains weak. Concerns are growing among Vietnamese traders that rice exports may encounter more difficulties in the coming year. Specifically, there is apprehension that the Philippines might reimpose limits on rice imports, and Indonesia is no longer considered a key buyer. Conversely, supplies from India are expected to remain strong.

Adding to the developments in the Asian rice market, Bangladesh has approved the purchase of 50,000 metric tons of rice from India's Bagadiya Brothers at a price of $359.77 per ton. This deal resulted from an international tender held on December 22, where Bagadiya Brothers submitted the lowest bid. It's worth noting that rice prices in Bangladesh have experienced a 15–20% increase over the past year and continue to remain high.

Umesh Jain, Director of Sponge Enterprises, an exporter, commented that African buyers are currently not active in the market and are delaying purchases in anticipation of prices declining. Overall, the Asian rice market presents a mixed picture, with rising prices in India contrasted by demand concerns and stable prices in Thailand and Vietnam.