Rice price today May 21: Rice slightly increased, by-products price increased

Rice price today 5/21

The domestic rice market on May 21 recorded a positive trend in the Mekong Delta. Raw rice prices increased slightly, while by-product prices increased significantly. Trading volume was not large but prices remained stable, especially for high-quality rice and fresh rice.

Specifically, IR 504 raw rice increased by 50 VND/kg, to 8,250 - 8,350 VND/kg. Other types such as CL 555 rice remained at 8,600 - 8,800 VND/kg, OM 380 fluctuated at 8,000 - 8,100 VND/kg, OM 18 maintained a high price of 10,200 - 10,400 VND/kg, and Jasmine was stable at 17,000 - 18,000 VND/kg.

Retail rice prices remained unchanged, with fragrant rice fluctuating between VND18,000 and VND22,000 per kilogram, and regular rice around VND15,000 and VND16,000 per kilogram. Nang Nhen rice continued to be the most expensive variety on the market, at VND28,000 per kilogram.

The glutinous rice segment maintained stable prices without major adjustments. IR 4625 (dried) glutinous rice is being traded at around VND9,700 - 9,900/kg, while other types of glutinous rice remain at VND7,700 - 8,000/kg.

By-products have increased significantly. OM 5451 rice bran is currently at 7,500 - 7,600 VND/kg. Bran prices have increased by 200 VND, to 7,900 - 8,200 VND/kg. Rice husk prices are also high, ranging from 1,000 - 1,150 VND/kg.

Meanwhile, fresh rice prices remained stable. Rice varieties such as OM 380, OM 18, Dai Thom 8 and IR 50404 remained in the range of 5,300 - 7,000 VND/kg. Nang Hoa 9 rice continued to be purchased at high prices, from 6,550 - 7,000 VND/kg.

The overall market outlook shows stability and positive expectations for farmers and businesses as both rice and by-product prices are trending upward.

Rice export price today 5/21

As of May 21, the export price of 5% broken rice from Vietnam remained stable at $397 per ton, according to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA). Although lower than the price of the same type of rice from Thailand ($404 per ton), this price is still significantly higher than that of India and Pakistan ($382-387 per ton), demonstrating the competitive advantage thanks to the stable quality and brand of Vietnamese rice.

In the Chinese market, rice import demand surged in March, with a total volume of 240,000 tons – an increase of 130,000 tons compared to the previous month. Vietnam led the supply, accounting for nearly 40% with 94,900 tons. The next largest suppliers included Thailand, Myanmar, India, Cambodia and Pakistan.

China currently prioritizes imports of polished rice (76%), followed by broken rice (24%) and brown rice (a very small 0.01%). However, the domestic market is in a period of slow consumption, leading to weak purchasing speed. Part of the reason is that the supply from the old crop in some areas has run out, while other sources still hold inventory, keeping prices high.

On the other hand, the new rice crop in China is entering the sowing and growth stages. Some Japonica rice growing areas have reported light flooding, while other areas such as Guangxi are facing localized drought. Although the quality of rice has not been affected, the erratic weather is making production progress difficult, forcing businesses in the industry to closely monitor.