Platts to discontinue two Thai Glutinous, Vietnamese KDM Fragrant rice assessments

Following feedback from the market, S&P Global Platts has decided to discontinue its Thai White Glutinous 10% broken (Sanpathong), Thai White Glutinous broken A1 and Vietnamese KDM 5% broken weekly rice assessments from October 1, 2020, due to a significant decline in production and trade flows.

However, Platts has decided to continue its weekly assessment of Myanmar Parboiled 5% STX.

This decision follows a proposal published on June 23 and available at the following location: www.spglobal.com

The discontinuations will affect the following:

Platts understands that exports of Thai White Glutinous 10% broken (Sanpathong) and Thai White Glutinous broken A1 rice have dropped to minimal levels in recent years, with both grades now mostly consumed domestically. Exports of Vietnamese KDM 5% broken rice have also declined significantly amid limited international demand, and now account for about 1% of total Vietnamese rice exports, according to estimates from market sources.

Exports of Myanmar Parboiled 5% STX rice have been limited by high parboiling costs in Myanmar, which has limited the grade's price competitiveness. Additionally, the European Union's decision to impose tariffs on Myanmar rice imports in January 2019 also led to a reduction in demand from a key export destination. However, feedback from sources suggested that Myanmar Parboiled 5% STX will be more widely traded in the coming years. Additionally, the EU, which can only import parboiled rice from certain origins (including Myanmar) due to quality standards, is due to revisit its decision to impose import tariffs on Myanmar rice in 2021.

The Thai White Glutinous 10% broken (Sanpathong) and Thai White Glutinous broken A1 are currently published on the Platts Agricultural Alert page 2404 and in the Platts Thailand Rice Weekly report. The Vietnamese KDM 5% broken price is currently published on the Platts Agricultural Alert page 2406 and in the Platts Vietnamese Rice Weekly report. The Myanmar Parboiled 5% STX price is published on Platts Agricultural Alert page 2410 and in the Myanmar Rice Weekly report.

All of the assessments are also published in the Platts Global Rice and Global Rice Volatility Weekly reports as well the Platts price database under the codes above.

Please send all feedback, comments or questions to europe_ags@spglobal.com and PriceGroup@spglobal.com