China resumes buying broken rice from India

Key facts

• China has resumed buying broken rice from India after previously rejecting several shipments.
• The Rice Exporters Association of India (TREA) offers broken rice at $300-310 FOB.
• Container freight costs have risen to $75-80 per tonne for a 20-foot container.
• Indian 5% broken white rice is priced at $335-339 per tonne, making it the most competitive globally.
• Thailand quotes $423 per tonne, Vietnam $344-348 per tonne, and Pakistan $345-349 per tonne for broken rice.
• India exported record volumes of broken rice to China during the 2021-22 period.
• The Indian government banned broken rice exports in 2022 due to domestic supply concerns.
• India's rice production for the 2025-26 crop year is estimated to exceed 150 million tonnes.
• Bunker fuel price surge of 50% due to the Iran war has increased shipment costs.