Market Update: Historic Flooding in Brazil; Major Market Impact Expected

KATY, TEXAS

Last week we mentioned the optimistic market signals of firm pricing, strong plantings, and consistent demand. This week, we’ll look at some of the factors that elevate the risk and could be potential speed bumps. First is the geopolitical risk of Haiti and Iraq, two of the top-milled rice markets for the U.S. Haiti has remained surprisingly consistent in recent weeks despite its political upheaval and increased gang activities. There is concern that shipments could slow or stop completely if things get worse and rice cannot get discharged from the port or distributed in-country upon its arrival. The second is Iraq, where they are willing to fill their MOU with the U.S., but because of fraudulent activities and terror ties to Iran from the bank utilized to purchase rice from the U.S., the Fed has frozen transactions. There is a workout plan being developed, but it cannot come soon enough to see more milled rice exports hit the books. Of course, a myriad of other issues could crop up, but these are the two primary risk factors that could slow the positive momentum the long grain market is seeing right now.

In South America, flooding in the key rice-producing state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil is making headlines where nearly 20% of the rice crop is still in the field. In some areas, the damage is more concentrated than in others. In the worst zones there has been loss of life and numerous people unaccounted for as reports indicate this is the worst flooding in recorded history. And it keeps raining, some sources in Brazil feel the remaining harvest will be abandoned causing already uncertain market conditions that will alter the dynamics of the Western Hemisphere rice trade.

Reports from Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina have not been stellar upon completion of their harvests, and with a shaky finish in Brazil, it’s become clear that the U.S. will remain the dominant origin and exporter in the Western Hemisphere for the coming year. U.S. long grain prices remain at $800 pmt, while Uruguay is at $750 pmt, Brazil at $735 pmt, and Argentina at $670 pmt. It has been normal for prices to soften on the South American harvest each year simply because of increased supply; however, that might not be the case this year, and any potential softening will come from the geopolitical risk on the demand side of the equation. ∆

These pictures taken near the town of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil give a good idea of the destruction caused by historic flooding this week.Thousands of people have been evacuated and displaced with severe damage to homes and property.Floodwaters have caused bridge collapses and major highway closures and the southern portion of the state is under a Red Alert.Power, telecom, and utility outages are common as the weather is worsening and continued disruptions are expected.

In Asia, the market remains firm on huge Indonesian and Philippine demand. Prices are getting close to the $600 pmt mark for both Vietnam and Thailand again as other customers like Iraq, the EU, China, and South Africa continue buying patterns that are keeping their foot on the pedal.

On the ground, it’s almost impossible to originate rice firsthand, particularly in Texas, Mississippi, or Missouri. Liquidity is sparse in Arkansas and Louisiana as well. It does appear several farm bins still have rice — particularly medium grain — but it is assumed that this rice has already been contracted, just not moved and milled. Indicative prices where rice might even be available show Texas at $19/cwt, Louisiana at $18.52/cwt, while Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri are at $16.00/$18.75/cwt.

The most recentUSDA Crop Progress reportshows planted/emerged acres being Arkansas at 83/54, California at 15/0, Louisiana at 92/82, Mississippi at 45/25, Missouri at 68/24, and Texas at 86/72. Overall, the industry is 72% planted compared to a 5-year average of 46% and 48% emerged compared to a 5-year average of 28%. Historically, early plantings correlate to higher yields; let us just hope that translates to milling qualities as well.∆

US RICE PRODUCERS