• Benin and Niger markets diverge on selective buying trends
• Currency volatility continues to influence import parity, trade sentiment

Benin: Rice prices in Benin displayed mixed trends, with parboiled (PB) grades facing pressure while white rice (WR) and select premium segments finding support. Parboiled prices opened at $541/tonne (t) on 16 March, rose to $555/t by 19 March, and eased back to $541/t on 21 March, indicating resistance at higher levels amid cautious procurement.

In contrast, white rice prices increased from $538/t to $548/t, supported by steady demand. Double polished (DP) rice showed volatility, declining from $593/t on 17 March to $568/t on 18 March before recovering to $571/t, reflecting opportunistic buying at lower levels. Meanwhile, fluctuations in the XOF/USD exchange rate, moving between 573 and 566, continued to impact import parity, with a relatively stronger local currency towards the end of the period capping upside in landed prices.

Niger: Rice prices remained largely stable, reflecting balanced fundamentals and subdued trading activity. Double polished rice inched up from $590/t on 16 March to $594/t on 18 March, indicating mild firmness in premium segments. Similarly, white rice prices edged higher from $538/t to $541/t over the same period. However, the absence of fresh price indications beyond 18 March suggests a slowdown in market activity, likely due to sufficient pipeline stocks and cautious buying interest. Overall, the market maintained a steady undertone with limited volatility.

Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso’s parboiled rice market showed a gradual firming trend, with prices rising from $585/t on 16 March to $589/t by 18 March. The steady increase reflects consistent demand and stable supply conditions, with no major disruptions observed. Price movements remained incremental, indicating a balanced market with measured buying activity rather than aggressive procurement.

Published Date: March 23, 2026