In October 2025, domestic rice prices generally declined in most countries of the subregion, with the start of the 2025 main season harvest. In exporting countries, notably Viet Nam, Thailand, India and Cambodia, additional downward pressure stemmed from intensified competition in external markets. In Viet Nam, wholesale prices of rice declined slightly month-on-month in October and were between 28 and 34 percent below their year-earlier levels across monitored markets, largely reflecting ample market supply from the above-average 2025 harvests and subdued export demand, especially from the Philippines. In Thailand, wholesale rice prices in Bangkok Market declined in October, continuing the downward trend since January 2025, and stood at about 35 percent lower year‑on‑year, pressured by ample supplies from the ongoing 2025 main harvest and muted import demand. In Myanmar, retail prices of Emata rice, the most consumed type of rice, declined month-on-month in October, but remained at high levels following the sharp increases recorded between 2022 and 2024, driven by elevated agricultural inputs and transport costs, and market disruptions linked to ongoing conflict and July to August 2025 floods. In India, the national average retail price of rice remained stable in October and close to its year-earlier level, as the above-average market availability from the 2026 main Kharif harvest was offset by strong domestic demand and large purchases by the government which needed to run various social welfare schemes. In Cambodia, wholesale rice prices declined in October and were lower year-on-year, reflecting the start of the main 2025 harvest. In China (mainland), the wholesale national average price of Indica rice, the most consumed variety, declined marginally in October and was up to 5 percent lower year-on‑year, reflecting adequate market availability from the 2025 harvests. In Sri Lanka, retail rice prices increased seasonally in October and were close to their year-earlier levels as market availability remains generally adequate from the 2025 harvests. In the Philippines, retail prices of regular and well-milled rice softened in October, reflecting incoming supplies from the ongoing 2025 main harvest, which is estimated at an above-average level. Overall, prices were between 10 and 21 percent lower year-on-year, prompting the government to impose a 60-day ban on imports of regular and well-milled rice, effective 1 September 2025, and subsequently extended until the end of the year to support farmers during the harvest period.

Regarding wheat grain and wheat flour, prices generally increased seasonally for the second consecutive month in October 2025 across most countries of the subregion. In Pakistan, wheat flour prices rose sharply for the second consecutive month in October, driven by seasonal upward pressure, flood-related stock losses, inflationary pressure and concerns that the prevailing La Niña event, normally associated with dry conditions, could affect the 2026 wheat crop, currently being planted. In Afghanistan, retail wheat flour prices increased month-on-month in October, reflecting dryness-induced losses to the 2025 wheat crop, market disruptions caused by the late August 2025 earthquake and concerns over the ongoing La Niña event, as many areas are already experiencing drought-like conditions. In China (mainland), wholesale wheat grain prices increased slightly in October and were marginally higher year‑on‑year, reflecting adequate supplies from the bumper 2025 wheat harvest. In India, the national average retail price of wheat grain was stable in October and was slightly higher than the elevated level of a year earlier, mostly sustained by strong domestic demand and large purchases by the government which needed to run various social welfare schemes. In Sri Lanka, a net wheat importer, retail prices of wheat flour declined slightly in October, in line with international quotations.