Cepea, 5/02/2025 – In January, the CEPEA/IRGA-RS paddy rice index (58% whole grains, cash payment) averaged R$ 99,72/bag, the lowest value since August/23. Compared with January/24, the decline is 21,63%. According to Cepea researchers, trading of the product has been weak since November/24, reflecting the “tug of war” between sellers and buyers. In addition, pressure from wholesalers and retailers, seeking lower prices for milled rice, has been limiting purchases of raw material by milling plants, which report difficulty passing on prices. On the producers' side, Cepea researchers explain that many, dissatisfied with current levels, prefer to delay trading, waiting for a possible price recovery. As a result, some of these rice growers remain focused on crop management, seeking to improve productivity, while others continue harvesting soybeans. Historically, at this time of year, rice prices tend to rise, driven by tighter supply as the crop year ends and by stronger demand, especially from mills, the Center also notes. Source: Cepea (www.cepea.esalq.usp.br)