World Price for Rice

Global Rice Price Trend (1996 - 2003)

Type	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005
Long Grain Rice, High Quality
Thai 100% B (FOB)	338	306	296	300	300	309	310	317	319	323
Thai 5% (FOB)	331	295	285	289	289	297	299	305	307	311
US No. 2, (FOB Houston)	450	418	413	409	414	424	428	435	438	443
US No. 2 - Thai 5%	119	123	128	121	125	127	129	129	131	132
Long Grain Rice, Low Quality
Thai 35% (FOB)	259	254	244	248	253	260	261	267	270	275
US Wheat No.2 (FOB Gulf)	184	155	150	151	157	159	160	162	164	166
Thai 35% - US Wheat	75	99	95	97	96	101	101	105	106	106
Medium Grain Rice
US No. 2 MG Rice(FOB CA)	415	396	409	406	407	411	412	415	417	420

Units: USD/metric ton
Source: Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Aug 1998

According to the Arkansas Global Rice Model, the global rice price for major long- and medium-grain rice is currently lower than in previous years. This drop in the global price comes from a slight decrease in rice production in major rice-producing countries, beginning in 1998. According to the USDA, nominal price quotes for milled rice have declined over the past twelve months. Prices for Thailand's 100 percent grade B are 25 percent below that of a year earlier. Similarly, prices for Vietnam's 5% broken and Pakistan's 15/20% are also lower. Prices are currently reported below US$190 per metric ton for both of these grades. Overall, rice prices are still more than 20 percent below levels reported a year ago.

However, the report by the Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, states an upward price trend beginning from 2000. This report predicts that the trend will continue to increase until the year 2005.