INFOGRAPHIC: Indian broken rice prices rise despite China's GMO concerns

Indian 100% broken rice prices have continued to strengthen amid limited availability and firm demand from Africa and the domestic ethanol industry, according to trading sources, despite China's suspension of seven rice exporters over genetically modified rice.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, has assessed India 100% broken WR up $36/mt on the year since March 2, reaching $320/mt FOB Oct. 2.

China's purchases from India were further disrupted after it rejected an Indian rice consignment in March 2026, reportedly citing the presence of genetically modified rice. It subsequently suspended the export licenses of three Indian suppliers, and the licenses of seven Indian exporters had reportedly been suspended by September, according to sources and local media.

India's rice shipments to China have increased significantly compared with the previous two years, after the country lifted its ban on 100% broken white rice exports on March 7, 2025. However, export volumes have remained well below the levels recorded in 2021 and 2022.

Following India's sudden ban on broken rice exports in September 2022, China turned to alternative origins to bridge the gap between domestic production and consumption. Vietnam and Myanmar emerged as the primary suppliers, while Thailand and Pakistan also contributed some volumes.

Even after India re-entered the market, China continued to rely heavily on these established suppliers. Myanmar remained China's largest rice supplier, particularly when its broken rice prices were competitive with those from India in 2026. Although Indian broken rice was priced below Vietnamese offers, China's imports from Vietnam rose sharply between January and June 2026.