Asian rice prices surged in May, with Thailand white rice—the regional benchmark—up 20%, the largest monthly rise since 2008. Chicago Board of Trade rice futures gained about 15% this month. Drivers cited include weather risk and war-driven spikes in

2026-05-30

Asian rice prices surged in May, with Thailand white rice—the regional benchmark—up 20%, the largest monthly rise since 2008. Chicago Board of Trade rice futures gained about 15% this month. Drivers cited include weather risk and war-driven spikes in energy and fertilizer costs that threaten output and could push prices higher. Wang Binhong, commodity analyst at BMI (Fitch Solutions), said prices will continue to rise. Forecasts for El Nifio to bring hotter, drier conditions in parts of Asia would add further upward pressure.