Rice/CEPEA: Limited Trading, But Prices Recover

According to CEPEA data, Brazilian rice prices rebounded in February, reaching levels seen in the first half of November 2025, despite limited trading. This price recovery was driven by active industrial demand, adjusted inventories, and cautious seller behavior. However, current prices remain significantly lower than the same period last year.

According to the University of São Paulo Research Center (CEPEA), despite limited market activity, the prices of paddy rice in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, are recovering and have reached levels observed in the first half of November 2025. As of February (up to the 20th), the average CEPEA/IRGA-RS Index was R$ 54.54 per 50 kg bag, marking a 2.18% increase compared to January. CEPEA researchers noted that this price reaction is considered atypical for a period usually characterized by downward pressure due to the harvest season. The price support came from a combination of active industrial demand, more adjusted inventories, and a cautious stance from sellers. Despite the recent recovery, CEPEA data indicates that the average price of paddy rice in February (in nominal terms) still remains 43% below the level recorded in February 2025.