Top rice news: El Niño Threat, Cambodia exports & Thailand’s Aid

Top rice news today highlights the El Niño threat looming over Asia and weaker Monsoon, crop risks and rising food prices ahead. Rice exports from Cambodia’s earnings surpass $900 Million in the first five months of 2026 & Thailand’s donation of 12.4 Tonnes of Rice to Support Food-Insecure Communities in Northeast Nigeria.

El Niño Threat Looms Over Asia: Weaker Monsoon, Crop Risks and Rising Food Prices Ahead

According to sources, rice export prices in Vietnam have increased this week due to concerns over the possible impact of El Niño in Asia. If we take a look at Bangladesh, rice export prices have increased amid extreme heat and crop damage. On the contrary, in India, the prices remained stable. The major reason behind this is nothing but adequate stock levels and steady supplies.

As per sources, the export price of Vietnam’s 5 % broken rice rose to USD 415-420 per tonne this week, in the comparison of USD 405-410 per tonne last week. Moreover, the govt data shows Vietnam exported nearly 925,000 tonnes of rice in May, an increase of 19 per cent from the same period last year. In addition, the country’s total rice exports during the first five months of 2026 reached 4.3 million tonnes. It marks a 2.4 % year-on-year increase.

According to the World Meteorological Organisation, there is an 80 per cent chance of El Niño developing between June and August. As per a report, a Vietnamese trader stated that concerns over potential production disruptions in Asia due to El Niño have created a bullish sentiment in the market. Notably, the country has been impacted by adverse weather conditions, making traders cautious in the context of a possible supply crunch. Moreover, in Bangladesh, mild to moderate heatwaves have disrupted the ongoing paddy harvesting.

Cambodia’s Rice Export Earnings Surpass $900 Million in First Five Months of 2026

According to the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), Cambodia’s rice sector generated more than $900 million in export revenue during the first five months of 2026. The revenue was driven by strong shipments of both milled rice and paddy rice. On Friday, the released CRF data released, the country shipped 568,912 tonnes of milled rice to international destinations, an increase 65 per cent from 344,199 tonnes in the same period last year.

The commodity exports generated $327 million, a rise of 30 per cent compared to the $252.3 million earned during the same period last year. Moreover, Breaking down, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc is the Kingdom’s biggest market with 208,593 tonnes worth $87 million, 162,125 tonnes to China worth $94 million, and 154,254 tonnes to the European Union market worth $105 million. In additon, the country also exported 43,940 tonnes worth of $40 million to other destinations in Africa and the Middle East, stated the report. According to industry reports, premium varieties dominate the export ledger, highlighting Cambodia’s strategic pivot toward high-value agricultural branding. CRF stated fragrant rice accounted for nearly 60 per cent of the total milled rice, followed by white rice and broken rice varieties with 22 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively.

Why Thailand Donates 12.4 Tonnes of Rice to Support Food-Insecure Communities in Northeast Nigeria?

Recently, Thailand has donated 12.4 metric tonnes of rice to the United Nations World Food Programme in Nigeria to support communities affected by food insecurity in the country’s north-east region. The rice was valued at approximately USD 22,000. The donation was formally handed over at the WFP office in Abuja by Thirapath Mongkolnavin, who represented the Royal Thai Government during the ceremony.

Moreover, the rice will be distributed as food assistance to the weaker sections of the populations in the states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, areas that continue to face significant humanitarian challenges. In addition, Ambassador Thirapath reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to humanitarian support and expressed hope that the contribution would offer relief to families witnessing hardships. In addition, he highlighted Thailand’s willingness to share its expertise in rice cultivation and agricultural practices to help boost long-term food security and agricultural development in Nigeria. Subsequently, the donation follows an earlier Thai contribution of USD 10,000 to the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund. Furthermore, Thailand praised WFP and humanitarian workers for their continued efforts to facilitate aid to the communities in need in the country.