WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — Thailand’s rice export prices increased slightly as exporters pursued new-crop white rice for shipment under the 2014 government-to-government agreement with China, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) reported on Jan. 5.

Despite the lack of new inquiries from foreign buyers during the holiday season, export prices increased slightly as some exporters reportedly sought new-crop 5% grade white rice for shipment under the 2014 government-to-government agreement with China, which totaled 1 million tonnes. Presently, exporters are shipping the ninth allotment of 100,000 tonnes, which was finalized in late December 2015. The shipment is taking place from January through February. Also, rumors indicate that the remaining 140,000 tonnes under the agreement with China will be finalized no later than January.

Unofficial preliminary rice exports (excluding premium white and fragrant rice) for Jan. 1-3, totaled 208 tonnes. Rice exports from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2015, totaled 4,425,469 tonnes, down 18% from the same period last year.