← Latest news 
Asia rice exporters face muted demand as freight costs surge amid Middle East conflict
Economy
Published on 24 April 2026
Buyers pause, waiting for shipping rates to cool
Asia’s key rice export hubs are seeing limited activity as freight costs climb sharply following conflict in the Middle East. Traders say buyers are holding back until shipping rates ease, keeping prices muted. Still, Bangladesh’s domestic market remains firm ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, with aromatic rice demand picking up despite the broader export slowdown.
- Middle East conflict has driven up shipping and freight rates
- Export activity is subdued as buyers wait for lower freight costs
- Bangladesh domestic rice prices stay elevated ahead of Eid
- Aromatic rice demand rises before Eid-ul-Fitr
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times