Indian 100% broken white rice prices have risen by $36 per tonne since early March, reaching $320 per tonne on a Free on Board (FOB) basis as of October 2. Limited availability and steady buying from African countries have supported the increase, Ukr Agro Consult reported.
Demand from India’s ethanol industry has also helped keep the market firm. This has provided support to prices even as Indian rice shipments to China have faced disruptions.
Indian rice exports to China have encountered problems since March 2026, when China rejected an Indian rice shipment reportedly due to concerns over genetically modified (GM) material. China later started suspending the licences of Indian suppliers, with restrictions reportedly affecting seven exporters by September.
India resumed exports of 100% broken white rice in March 2025 after the export ban imposed in 2022 was lifted. Shipments to China rose significantly after exports resumed, although they remained below the levels seen in 2021 and 2022.
With Indian rice unavailable in the Chinese market during this period, buyers increased purchases from other suppliers. Myanmar became China’s largest rice supplier in 2026, while Vietnam, Thailand and Pakistan also supplied significant volumes.
China has continued to buy considerable quantities from these established suppliers even after India returned to the market. However, strong African demand and purchases by the domestic ethanol industry have helped absorb Indian broken rice, supporting prices despite weaker demand from China.
