Asia rice: Prices in India edge up as demand improves; muted activity seen elsewhere

$373 to $377 per ton this week. “The weak rupee is helping exporters a bit. We can see some demand coming back,” said Himanshu Agrawal, executive director at Satyam Balajee, a leading rice exporter. India’s state reserves of rice, including unmilled paddy, totalled a record 59.5 million metric tons as of June 1, far exceeding the government’s target of 13.5 million tons for July 1. Vietnam’s 5% broken rice was offered at $387 per metric ton on Thursday, down slightly from $388 a week ago, according to the Vietnam Food Association. “Trading activity is muted, but the authorities are seeking to boost shipments to China,” a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City said. A delegation of 20 Vietnamese rice processors and exporters led by trade ministry officials visited China’s Guangdong province last week to seek buyers, the trader said. Thailand’s 5% broken rice slipped to $397 per tonne from $398 quoted last week, on a stronger baht and weak demand. “I’m very worried about farmers, there is ...