By Noel John

Vietnamese rice export prices rose this week on concerns that the El Niño weather phenomenon could hurt crops, while Indian prices edged higher amid firm demand.

Vietnam's 5% broken rice (RI-VNBKN5-P1) was offered at $410-$415 per metric ton on Thursday, compared with $405-$415 a week ago.

"Concerns about the possible impact of El Nino on rice production might prompt buyers to increase their rice stockpiling," a trader based in Ho Chi Minh City said.

Vietnam's rice exports in the first half of 2026 are estimated at 5 million metric tons, up 5.7% from a year earlier, state media cited the agriculture ministry as saying on Thursday.

The value of rice exports in the January-June period will likely fall 3.3% to $2.36 billion, Vietnam News Agency reported.

India's 5% broken parboiled variety (RI-INBKN5-P1) was quoted at $337-$342 per ton this week, up from last week's $335-$340. Indian 5% broken white rice was priced at $343 to $349 per ton.

"Exporters are raising prices to reflect the recent appreciation of the rupee. Despite that, demand from African countries remains strong as Indian rice is cheaper than rival origins," said a Kolkata-based dealer.

India's rice stocks in government warehouses rose 15% from a year ago to a record high for the start of June, while wheat stocks reached a five-year peak driven by increased farmer procurement, official data showed on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Thailand's 5% broken rice (RI-THBKN5-P1) was quoted at $465 per ton, dropping from $480-$500 quoted last week.

The decline was driven by weaker demand after the Philippines scaled back purchases while it assesses domestic rice production, a Bangkok-based rice trader said.

"The market is relatively quiet at the moment," the trader said.

Rice supplies remain sufficient for now, but output from the next main harvest at the end of the rainy season could be affected by El Nino weather phenomenon, potentially tightening supplies later this year, the trader said.

Bangladesh has allowed private traders to export nearly 37,000 metric tons of aromatic rice through December 31. The country produces 1-2 million metric tons of aromatic rice annually, according to data from its Ministry of Agriculture.