Chinese buyers seem to be actively seeking Pakistani rice, with recent transactions indicating active demand for white rice and broken rice, Pakistani sellers and traders told Platts.
Strong demand from China is expected to help stabilize Pakistani prices, preventing significant declines, even as international markets, including Pakistan, struggle with oversupply and weak demand.
According to Pakistani sellers, Chinese importers have been actively bidding for Pakistani rice in the last few days.
A Karachi-based seller told Platts that about 20,000 metric tons of Pakistani 100% broken WR has been traded at $/mt FOB in containers, while the 5% broken WR has been traded between $345-$/mt FOB in containers. Both shipments are scheduled for November from Karachi to China.
Details of these trades have not yet been confirmed. Some sellers believe the volume may be too high at this time, leaving the situation uncertain. Nevertheless, prices have been validated by multiple sellers and traders, suggesting that the trade could still be feasible, though specific details remain limited.
On Oct. 10, Platts assessed the price of Pakistani 5% WR at $/mt FOB, reflecting an increase of $3/mt compared to the previous week. At the same time, the price of Pakistani 100% broken WR was assessed at $/mt FOB, rising by $1/mt from the prior week. Platts is part of S&P Global Commodity Insights.
Myanmar exporters await new Chinese import quota
According to sources in Myanmar, the largest exporter to China, most Chinese buyers have nearly depleted their white rice import quota from Myanmar and are awaiting a new quota to resume active purchases.
In the first six months of FY 2025-26, China imported 594,904 mt of rice and broken rice, Myanmar Rice Federation’s data showed.
“Chinese buyers want to buy white rice and broken rice from Myanmar, but they are waiting for the import quota,” a Yangon-based exporter said. “Our monsoon crop might also be delayed because it is still raining in Myanmar.”
Myanmar has two crop seasons: the monsoon and the dry. The Monsoon crop, typically from October through December, is the primary harvest season for Myanmar.
Platts assessed Myanmar 5% white rice at $/mt FOB FCL, up $6/mt week over week, while B1 & B2 broken rice was at $/mt FOB FCL, unchanged week over week in the week ending Oct. 10.
Source: Platts
