News Capsule: FAO rice price index falls 3% in March amid global weakness
06-Apr-2026 09:41 AM
News Capsule: FAO rice price index falls 3% in March amid global weakness
★ According to the FAO, the All Rice Price Index declined by 3% in March 2026 to 100.1 points, down nearly 4% year-on-year. Rice prices weakened across major global markets.
★ In Asia, market sentiment remained weak due to tensions in West Asia, which disrupted exports to key Gulf destinations. Shipment delays, higher freight and insurance costs, and reduced new bookings weighed on demand. Additionally, currency depreciation in major exporters such as India, Thailand and Vietnam, along with fresh harvest arrivals, increased supply pressure.
★ The Indica rice index fell 3% to 100.2, while the Aromatic index declined 2.5% to 100.5 and the Japonica index eased 2.1% to 98.2. The steepest drop was seen in the Glutinous rice index, which fell 5.8%.
★ However, sentiment in the Americas remained relatively firm. Prices in the US were stable, while Brazil and Uruguay recorded gains of 3% and 4%, respectively.
★ In India, rice prices also declined. Pusa basmati prices fell to $1,075 per tonne from $1,150 in February. Prices of 25% broken non-basmati rice dropped to $329.4 per tonne, while 5% broken rice declined to $343.6 per tonne. Prices of 5% parboiled rice also eased to $349.5 per tonne.
★ Prices in other major exporting countries also weakened. Thailand’s A1 Super and 25% broken rice prices declined, while Vietnam and Pakistan saw softer non-basmati prices. However, Pakistan’s basmati prices registered a marginal increase.