Farmers and traders, Indian rice export prices fell last week in Asian markets, reaching close to their lowest level in two years. According to traders and analysts, the decline is mainly due to weak global demand and a depreciation in the Indian rupee. Prices for India�s 5% broken parboiled rice dropped to $384�391 per tonne, down from $390�397 per tonne the previous week. Similarly, prices for 5% white rice fell to $378 per tonne, down from $385 per tonne a week earlier. A trader mentioned that demand from African buyers remains sluggish, hovering near multi-year lows. However, with ample domestic stock and expectations of a good harvest, the potential for a sharp price rise this year appears limited. In contrast, rice export prices in Thailand saw an increase. The price of 5% broken Thai rice rose to $420 per tonne, up from $410 per tonne the previous week. This price rise is mainly attributed to a stronger Thai baht, although overall demand in the market remains relatively subdued. Thailand is expected to have good rice supplies this year, supported by favorable water levels. However, ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan could potentially disrupt the supply chain. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, the export price of 5% broken rice increased slightly to $398 per tonne, up from $395 per tonne over the previous two weeks, according to the Vietnam Food Association. The Vietnamese market remained closed last week due to national holidays. A trader from Ho Chi Minh City said that government procurement to boost stockpiles provided some support to prices. Still, demand remains generally weak, resulting in slow trading activity. Despite the soft demand, Vietnam�s rice exports in the first four months of this year rose 8.40% year-on-year to 3.43 million tonnes, indicating a steady growth trend.