ARTICLE 4 #RiceExports

Exporters in Punjab say the situation has created a liquidity crunch, particularly for small and medium traders who rely heavily on timely payments to continue operations.

Rice export supply is mainly drawn from the Mekong Delta region and parts of Tay Ninh province, which together account for the majority of commercial rice production.

The latest developments highlight the interconnected nature of Southeast Asia’s rice market and the delicate balance between domestic supply, export demand, and regional trade policies.

Market participants said purchasing activity was largely need-based, with many buyers delaying large commitments while monitoring price movements and currency fluctuations.

Analysts expect rice exports to remain under pressure in the near term if prices continue to rise. However, they add that any easing in prices or improvement in supply conditions could help stabilize volumes later in the year.

Officials say expanding rice shipments within the ASEAN region could help enhance regional food security, strengthen trade cooperation, and position Indonesia as a more active player in the Asian rice market.

Strong demand from major markets — especially the United States, Taiwan, and South Korea — was a key driver of export growth, even as trade barriers and past disruptions continued to influe