QBC TV – ELZUBI   the Causes of the Recent Surge in Global Rice Prices

QBC TV – ELZUBI the Causes of the Recent Surge in Global Rice Prices
The recent surge in rice prices can be described as a “perfect storm,” combining climate shocks, supply chain bottlenecks, and protectionist trade decisions. Rice prices have climbed to their highest levels since 2008, with an increase of more than 20% year on year. India’s export restrictions are central to this development, as the country accounts for nearly 40% of global rice trade—about 22 million tons out of a total 53 million tons. At the same time, the El Niño weather phenomenon has threatened crops across Southeast Asia, while shipping and insurance costs have soared by more than 150%. This is not a shortage of supply, but rather a forced re engineering of the global agricultural trade map.
Will prices ease if India lifts its export restrictions? Yes, markets would see an immediate cooling, but the decline would be gradual and limited.