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Writer's pictureAvi Shaposhnik

Increased supply and ending stock combined with reduced consumption- are rice prices heading lower?

The 2023/24 rice market showcases substantial shifts, including increased supplies and production in the U.S. and adjustments in global trade dynamics and consumption patterns.


  • U.S. rice market witnesses higher supplies and ending stocks due to a 2.6 million cwt production boost, reaching 203.6 million cwt. Long-grain and medium/short-grain production reach remarkable levels, impacting pricing forecasts.

  • Globally, rice supply adjustments lead to a 0.4 million ton increase, with India's export ban affecting global exports. Consumption changes shape forecasts, contributing to a slight decrease in world use to 523.0 million tons.

  • Global exports shrink by 3.4 million tons due to India's immediate ban on certain milled rice exports. Consumption patterns change, resulting in a forecasted 1.0 million ton decrease in world use to 523.0 million tons.


In the 2023/24 rice market, there's a notable increase in supplies and ending stocks for U.S. rice compared to the previous month. The initial forecast indicates higher production at 203.6 million cwt, up by 2.6 million cwt due to better yields. The average yield for all rice is projected at 7,699 pounds per acre, a rise of 100 pounds. Long-grain production is expected to reach 146.8 million cwt, while combined medium- and short-grain production is estimated at 56.8 million cwt – the largest in four years. This leads to projected all rice ending stocks of 31.2 million cwt, an increase of 1.6 million from last month. Additionally, the forecast for the 2023/24 long-grain season-average farm price (SAFP) is raised by $1.00 per cwt to $15.50 per cwt, causing the overall all rice SAFP to increase by $0.70 to $17.70 per cwt. The medium- and short-grain SAFP forecast remains unchanged at $24.80 per cwt.


Turning to the global rice outlook for 2023/24, adjustments reveal slightly higher supplies, reduced consumption, lower exports, and increased stocks compared to the previous month. Rice supplies are raised by 0.4 million tons to 694.7 million tons, primarily due to larger starting stocks in India, which are partly offset by smaller stocks in Vietnam. World production is projected to be slightly higher and 8.1 million tons larger compared to the previous year. Global exports are lowered by 3.4 million tons to 53.0 million tons due to India's immediate ban on milled rice exports that don't fall under basmati or parboiled categories. India's export forecast is reduced by 4.0 million tons to 19.0 million tons, partially offset by increases for Pakistan, Brazil, and Vietnam. Projected world use is forecast to decrease by 1.0 million tons to 523.0 million tons, as lower imports in various Asian and Sub-Saharan African countries impact consumption. The projected 2023/24 global ending stocks are increased by 1.3 million tons to 171.8 million tons, driven by India's higher stocks, somewhat balanced by reduced stocks in several exporting nations including China, Vietnam, and Pakistan.


In navigating the dynamic landscape of the 2023/24 rice market, stakeholders are considering strategic hedging approaches. With notable shifts in supplies, production, and trade dynamics, hedging strategies can offer a safeguard against potential price volatility, providing a valuable tool to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities in this evolving market.


The information provided in this market insight is for general informational purposes and should not be considered as financial advice. It is not intended to offer any financial recommendations or endorsements. Any decisions made based on the content are the sole responsibility of the reader.

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