Global rice prices continue to rise amid growing concerns about this year’s harvest, according to Bloomberg.
Thai white rice, considered the benchmark, rose to $446 per ton on Wednesday, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Association. This is the highest level in over a year—since February 2025.
Prices have been rising for the third consecutive week. This was driven by a forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicting a decline in global rice production in the 2026-2027 crop year for the first time in 11 years.
Surge in fertilizer and fuel costs have raised concerns that some farmers in Southeast Asia may decide not to plant crops this year. India, the world’s largest exporter of this crop, also faces the prospect of below-average monsoon rains, which could negatively impact yields.
Rice is a staple food in many Asian countries, so rising prices could accelerate inflation. Rice prices in recent years have remained well below the multi-year highs reached in 2024, the agency notes.
