U.S. rice market outlook for 2025 unclear

(By Dwight Roberts, USRPA) The market continues to find stability as we approach the Christmas season. Last week offered record export sales figures, which was welcome news for all segments of the industry. Prices and cash activity continue to move sideways as market psychology appears to be on autopilot until the new year. A recent USDA Grain: World Markets and Trade report shows that global rice production is forecast to decline due to reductions in the Philippines (typhoons) and Nepal. These losses more than offset Brazil's outsized harvest, and growing exports from Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand continue to challenge India's new exportable supplies. Global consumption and stocks are forecast to fall somewhat. Since November's WASDE, and frankly since India entered the market in October, the chart shows a steady decline in prices for Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam. The US and Uruguay have remained isolated, but cheap rice from Pakistan is starting to break through to the ...