17th february 2015 daily exclusive oryza rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

17th Feb.,2015 Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Vietnam Approves Rice Stockpiling Plan to Stabilize Prices Feb 13, 2015

The government of Vietnam has decided to stockpile winter-spring rice to control price falls during the harvest time, according to a Reuters.

Harvesting of the winter-spring crop, which began this month, will continue till April. Usually paddy prices dip during the harvest time due to increasing supplies and the government approves stockpiling plan to stabilize prices.

The government statement noted that the Agriculture Ministry will oversee the implementation of the plan. However, it did not mention the amount of rice planned to be stockpiled.

Export prices of Vietnam 25% rice currently stand at around $330 per ton, down about 7% from around $355 per ton in the beginning of this year. Export prices have been declining due to increasing supplies from the ongoing harvests in exporting countries and declining export demand.

Vietnam exported about 6.316 million tons of rice in 2014, down about 6% from about 6.71 million tons of rice exported in 2013, according to data from the Vietnam Food Association (VFA).

Vietnam, Pakistan Rice Quotes Up Today; Other Asia Rice Quotes Unchanged Feb 13, 2015 Vietnam rice sellers increased their quotes for 25% broken rice and 100% broken rice by about $5 per ton each to around $325 - $335 per ton and $305 -$315 per ton respectively and increased their quotes for Jasmine rice by about $15 ton to around $460 - $470 per ton today. Pakistan rice sellers increased their quotes for parboiled rice by about $5 per ton to around $390 - $400 per ton. Other Asia rice sellers kept their quotes mostly unchanged today.

5% Broken Rice Thailand 5% rice is quoted at around $405 - $415 per ton, about $50 per ton premium on Vietnam 5% rice shown at around $355 - $365 per ton. India 5% rice is quoted at around $395 - $405 per ton, about $50 per ton premium on Pakistan 5% rice quoted at around $345 - $355 per ton.

25% Broken Rice Thailand 25% rice is quoted at around $365 - $375 per ton, about $40 per ton premium on Vietnam 25% rice shown at around $325- $335 per ton, up about $5 per ton from yesterday. India 25% rice is quoted at around $360 - $370, about $55 per ton premium on Pakistan 25% rice quoted at around $305 - $315 per ton.

Parboiled Rice Thailand parboiled rice is quoted at around $405 - $415 per ton. India parboiled rice is quoted at around $390 - $400 per ton, on par with Pakistan parboiled rice quoted at around $390 - $400 per ton, up about $5 per ton from yesterday.

100% Broken Rice

Thailand broken rice, A1 Super, is quoted at around $320 - $330 per ton, about $15 per ton premium on Vietnam 100% broken rice shown at around $305 - $315 per ton, up about $5 per ton from yesterday.

India's 100% broken rice is shown at around $295 - $305 per ton, about $20 per ton premium on Pakistan broken sortexed rice quoted at around $275 - $285 per ton

Weekly Recap: Global Rice Prices Steady

Feb 13, 2015

The Oryza White Rice Index (WRI), a weighted average of global white rice export quotes, ended the week at about $421 per ton, up about $1 per ton from a week ago, down about $8 per ton from a month ago and down about $41 per ton from a year ago.

Thailand Thailand 5% broken rice is today shown at about $405 per ton, unchanged from a week ago, down about $5 per ton from a month ago, and down about $35 per ton from a year ago.

Thailand may sell about 500,000 tons of rice to winning bidders from the one million tons auctioned on January 29.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission will likely recommend that the Commerce and Finance Ministries file a civil suit against the 21 state officials and employees of private firms for alleged corruption in rice exports deals with two Chinese firms.

The Thai Rice Exporters Association is concerned that rice exports this year may be negatively impacted by the ongoing drought, especially if it intensifies in April and reduces the off-season paddy output by 1-2 million tons.

India India 5% broken rice is today shown at about $400 per ton, unchanged from a week ago, up about $5 a month ago and down about $20 per ton from a year ago.

According to the government rice exports for 2014-15 (April-March) were around 10.1 million tons, down about 7% from 2013-14, with the decline attributed to lower basmati rice exports.

Rice stocks in the central pool were about 24.88 million tons as of February 1, down about 20% from the same period last year.

The government has decided to sell about 2-3 million tons of excess rice stocks under the Open Market Scale Scheme (OMSS) to bulk buyers and traders through e-auctions.

The government announced plans to restore the duty drawback facility on rice exports after seven years.

The Indian Commerce Ministry reports that in March Iran may lift the ban on rice imports it imposed in November 2014.

Vietnam

Vietnam 5% broken rice is today shown at about $360 per ton, up about $5 per ton from a week ago, down about $20 per ton from a month ago and down about $35 per ton from a year ago.

Exports in 2014 were down about 5% from 2013, reaching about 6.32 million tons of rice, according to USDA. Most notably, exports to Africa are down about 57% y/y.

The Dong Thap province in the Mekong Delta region has proposed a plan to adopt a policy for paddy stockpiling to curb price falls during the harvest of the winter-spring crop.

Pakistan Pakistan 5% broken rice is today shown at about $350 per ton, unchanged from a week ago, down about $25 per ton from a month ago and down about $50 per ton from a year ago.

Central & South America Brazil 5% broken rice is today shown at about $540 per ton, unchanged from a week and a month ago and down about $125 per ton from a year ago.

In January, Brazil exported about 69,913 tons of rice, according to the Rice Institute of Rio Grande do Sul. Cuba remained the largest importer of its rice with about 53% of total exports going there.

The Brazilian paddy rice index maintained by the Center for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics (CEPEA) reached around 38.07 real per 50 kilograms as of February 09, 2015, down about 1% from around 38.43 real per 50 kilograms recorded on February 02, 2015. In terms of USD per ton, the index reached around $273 per ton on February 09, 2015, down about 4.8% from around $286.9 per ton recorded on February 02, 2015.

In the first eleven months of 2014, Argentina exported about 499,007 tons of rice, down about 1.25% from the same period in 2013.

Guyana government is aiming to export about 521,000 tons of rice in 2015, up about 4% from exports in 2014.

U.S. U.S. 4% broken rice is today shown at about $500 per ton, unchanged from a week ago, down about $15 per ton from a month ago and down about $80 per ton from a year ago.

The USDA in its WASDE report forecasts U.S. MY 2014-15 all rice imports will reach 1.04 million tons, unchanged from last year.

The U.S. cash market was soft this weak and didn’t gain much traction as market participants wait to determine whether prices rally or drop.

Chicago rough rice futures dropped throughout the week, reaching a low of $10.150 per cwt (about $224 per ton) on Tuesday before rebounding slightly later in the week to close at $10.550 per cwt (about $233 per ton). The USDA S&D update didn’t provide support as it was mostly neutral.

Other Markets Cambodia 5% broken rice is today shown at about $435 per ton, unchanged from a week ago, down about $20 per ton from a month ago and a year ago. Separately, Cambodia exported about 35,921 tons of rice in January 2015, up about 66.8% from the same period last year, but down about 30% from last month, according to the Cambodia Rice Federation. Meanwhile, the European Union’s rice imports from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), such as Cambodia and Myanmar, under the Everything But Arms (EBA) Agreement have increased slightly from last year to about 106,649 tons in the first five months of the crop year 2014-15 (September-August), according to the European Commission.

The state grains purchasing agency in Mauritius has invited tenders to buy up to 6,000 tons of longgrain white rice from optional origins, with tenders due February 18 and delivery between March 31 and July 31.

Rice exporters in Egypt are complaining that they are not able to export high amounts of rice this year due to high export tariffs imposed by the government, and they are concerned about increasing contraband trade.

Paddy rice production in Australia in MY 2014-15 (April-May) is estimated to decline to around 684,000 tons, down about 18% from MY 2013-14, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences.

The government of Sri Lanka may not increase the paddy purchase price from the current Rs.50 per kilogram (around $377 per ton).

South Korea is seeking to buy about 44,000 tons of non-glutinous rice in tender for delivery by May 31. They recently purchased 35,000 tons of non-glutinous rice for delivery between April and June in a tender.

The UN’s FAO reports that 2015 rice production prospects in Madagascar are mixed due to heavy rains in most of the country and dry conditions in the south.

The UN’s FAO estimates Cuba’s 2014 paddy rice production to be about 700,000 tons, up about 4% from 2013.

The USDA Post estimates Bangladesh will import about 700,000 tons of rice in MY 2014-15 (MayApril), down about 7% from MY 2013-14.

The National Food Authority of the Philippines is expected to decide on this year’s rice importation volume today (Feb 13).

Italy Considers Modifying Rice Bill Feb 13, 2015

The Italian government is considering to modify the existing bill on the domestic rice market to include new rice varieties, rules on paddy and rice pricing, and percentage of brokens that can be allowed, according to local sources.

The current bill regulating the paddy/rice trade is quite old and dates back to 1958 and does not include many newer rice varieties. Therefore the bill will be modified to include new rice varieties while retaining the traditional ones such as Carnaroli, Arborio, Ribe and others to safeguard the interests of the rice producers as well as consumers. The idea behind this is to help both rice growers and consumers relate and compare the characteristics of new rice varieties with the traditional ones as well as preserve the traditional varieties.

Under the old bill, the government was not permitting to sell any type of rice unless its name is registered with it. However, now the rule would be modified allowing traders to sell mixes of Indica rice even without any name indications.

There are also plans to include about the inclusion of permitted percentage of brokens in the new bill. However, there are differentiated opinions regarding the inclusion of this rule among millers and farmers.

Cambodian Exporters Target to Double Fragrant Organic Rice Exports in 2015 Feb 13, 2015

Cambodia's state-owned Center for Study and Development in Agriculture (CEDAC) is targeting to nearly double its fragrant organic rice exports to around 1,000 tons in 2015 from around 540 tons exported in 2014 expecting an increasing demand, according to local sources.

Currently, CEDAC exports fragrant organic rice to the U.S. and Hong Kong. But is exploring export opportunities to Arab countries as well. According to the CEDAC's organic rice Export Officer, though the price of organic rice is higher, prices are much stable in the international markets unlike non-organic milled rice prices, which fluctuate frequently, the margins are also much better. He therefore urged the government to encourage organic rice cultivation in the country.

CEDAC collects organic rice from farmers at around 1,650 riel per kilogram (around $407 per ton) compared to around $1,150 per kilogram (around $271 per ton) of non-organic rice.

Another private rice exporter is also understood to be targeting to export 1,500 tons of fragrant organic rice this year, 2,500 tons in 2016 and 4,000 tons in 2017. The CEO of the company told local sources that they have already entered into agreements with farmers' cooperatives to supply organic rice to them for exports. He added that the agreements would benefit farmers to earn better incomes.

Though, currently, organic rice exports account for very small percentage of the country's total rice exports of around 380,000 tons, the exporters are confident of increasing this percentage substantially with the government support.

However, the Senior Advisor to the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) noted that since the process involved in the organic rice production is lengthy and tough, many farmers may not be interested in it. He suggested the government could rather focus on high end rice varieties and differentiate their product from their competitors.

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Details of India's Duty Drawback Facility on Rice Exports not Clear Feb 13, 2015 The government of India has yesterday notified that it would allow duty drawback (DBB) facility on rice exports on brand basis but there are few issues that are not clear in the government's directive.

The facility allows the exporters to claim back the amount of sales and customs taxes paid by them at a flat drawback rate. But the government removed the duty drawback facility in 2008 and since then has been maintaining a "0%" drawback rate for rice. The rate is "0%" even for the 2014-15 financial year (April - March). So, at what rate the facility will be provided to exporters is not specified precisely. According to government regulations, duty drawback facility should not exceed 1% of fob value. In that case, basmati rice exporters would get a maximum benefit of around $10-$12 per ton and non-basmati rice exporters will get a benefit of around $3 - $4 per ton.

The government's idea behind providing the duty drawback facility on only certain brands is to subsidize the exporters' expenses for branding a "made in India" product, says an India-based Grain Analyst. A number of brands exist for basmati rice, most of which are exported. However, it is not clear if the facility is applicable to brands created and registered in overseas markets or brands registered in India only, he says.

On the other hand exporters would want the government to extend the facility to all exports (including basmati and non-basmati) rather than limiting it for certain brands of basmati rice as local taxes are equally applicable to both types.

The government is yet to clearly specify its stance on the above issues related to duty drawback facility on rice exports.

Study Identifies Ecologically Safe and Sustainable Weed Management Strategy Under Aerobic Rice Cultivation System Feb 13, 2015

A report published in the International Journal of Agriculture shows the results of a study on "competitive ability of rice varieties against weeds under aerobic rice production in Malaysia". The study has identified the most competitive rice variety against weeds under aerobic cultivation in Malaysia as means to provide ecologically friendly and environmentally safe weed management system.

Aerobic rice production is said to reduce water use by nearly half compared to the lowland rice production while maintaining adequate moisture in the soil. But rice plants under this system are more susceptible to severe weed infestations compared to those under the transplanted lowland rice system as weeds germinate simultaneously with rice due to absence of water layer to suppress weed growth. Weeds compete with the rice plants for all nutrients and moisture leading to lower rice

yield. The study found that weeds may lead to nearly 35% of rice losses under aerobic rice production system than in the transplanted rice system.

Though herbicides are known to control the growth of weeds, their impact on environment is very severe. The authors of the study say reduced use of herbicides is suggestible as they would reduce input costs as well as ensure that weeds do not develop resistance to herbicides. Therefore the a study has been conducted to develop competitive rice cultivars which can provide safe and environmentally means for integrated weed management The authors of study planned to find most competitive rice cultivars that can potentially suppress weed growth without sacrificing on yield. They conducted glass house and field experiments to evaluate competitive ability of five rice varieties - AERON 1, AERON 4, M9, MR211 and MR220MCL2 - against weeds under aerobic rice cultivation system in Malaysia. They found that AERON 1, which had taller plant structure and short growth duration, proved to have lowest weed dry weight and weed density in both glass and field trials and it competed better with weed compared to other varieties with shorter plant and longer growth duration. Authors also found lesser yield loss in this variety.

Oryza Overnight Recap - Chicago Rough Rice Futures Begin the Day Higher as Traders Prepare for ThreeDay Weekend Feb 13, 2015 Chicago rough rice futures for Mar delivery are currently listed 5 cents per cwt (about $1 per ton) higher at $10.380 per cwt (about $229 per ton) during early floor trading in Chicago. The other grains are seen trading higher this morning: soybeans are currently seen about 0.8% higher, wheat is listed about 1.5% higher and corn is currently noted about 0.6% higher.

U.S. stock opened up, following European markets higher on Friday as recent concerns about Ukraine, Greece and energy prices abated. On Sunday, Russia is expected to enter a cease-fire with Ukraine as announced early on Thursday, a move that sent European and U.S. stocks higher. In another mark of stabilization, brent oil gained to trade above $60 a barrel on Friday, while crude oil held close to $53 a barrel. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has also agreed to meet with representatives from the European Union (EU), European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund, ahead of Monday's key Eurogroup meeting on debt talks, according to Reuters. The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened up 13.71 points, or 0.08%, to 17,982.43. The S&P 500 opened up 0.85 points, or 0.05%, to 2,089.62, with energy leading gains across half of the 10 sectors as utilities lagged. The Nasdaq opened up 13.83 points,

or 0.28%, to 4,870. Gold is currently trading about 0.7% higher, crude oil is seen trading about 3.1% higher, and the U.S. dollar is currently trading about 0.1% higher at 8:30am Chicago time

Global Rice Quotes February 13th, 2015 Long grain white rice - high quality Thailand 100% B grade 415-425

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Vietnam 5% broken

355-365

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India 5% broken

395-405

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Pakistan 5% broken

345-355

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Myanmar 5% broken

415-425

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Cambodia 5% broken

430-440

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U.S. 4% broken 480-490

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Uruguay 5% broken

NQ

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Argentina 5% broken

NQ

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Long grain white rice - low quality Thailand 25% broken

365-375

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Vietnam 25% broken

325-335

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Pakistan 25% broken

305-315

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Cambodia 25% broken 410-420

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India 25% broken

360-370

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U.S. 15% broken

470-480

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Long grain parboiled rice Thailand parboiled 100% stxd

405-415

Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd

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390-400

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India parboiled 5% broken stxd 390-400

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U.S. parboiled 4% broken

555-565

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Brazil parboiled 5% broken

570-580

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Uruguay parboiled 5% broken NQ

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Long grain fragrant rice Thailand Hommali 92% 920-930

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Vietnam Jasmine

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460-470

India basmati 2% broken

NQ

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Pakistan basmati 2% broken

NQ

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Cambodia Phka Mails

785-795

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320-330

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Brokens Thailand A1 Super

Vietnam 100% broken 305-315 Pakistan 100% broken stxd Cambodia A1 Super

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275-285

365-375

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India 100% broken stxd 295-305

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Egypt medium grain brokens

NQ

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U.S. pet food

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380-390

Brazil half grain NQ

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All prices USD per ton, FOB vessel, oryza.com Shared by Riceplus Magazine