Mixed sentiments prevail in West Africa's rice markets

• Benin sees firmer prices in parboiled segment, premium grades soften
  
  
• African regional markets steady as currency stability supports price parity
  
  

Rice market sentiment in Benin showed mild divergence across segments over the weekend, with the Indian parboiled category witnessing slightly firmer prices on steady retail demand. Traders reported marginal upward pressure in the parboiled segment, largely driven by active replenishment by distributors and continued reliance on Indian origin supplies.

In contrast, the premium double-polish segment showed a softer trend, with some sellers adjusting offers to facilitate quicker offloading of inventories. White rice prices remained broadly stable, reflecting balanced supply availability and steady consumer offtake across retail channels.

Regional markets hold steady

Elsewhere in West Africa, the market outlook remained largely unchanged. In Maradi, Niger, rice trade activity was reported to be stable with no major shifts in pricing sentiment across both white rice and premium categories, indicating balanced local demand and supply.

Similarly, Burkina Faso's bulk parboiled rice segment remained steady, with trade flows continuing at normal pace.

Market participants indicated that currency stability against the US dollar has helped maintain price parity across the region, preventing sharp fluctuations in domestic rice markets.