Rice prices continue to rise in Rio Grande do Sul, but a drop in demand is changing the market's rhythm.

The price of rice The price of unhulled coffee still has room to grow in Rio Grande do Sul, but the price increase has lost momentum. According to data released by Cepea, some industries have reduced their need for new purchases after acquiring volumes in recent weeks, while producers with greater financial capacity continue to hold back supply in search of higher prices.

The scenario created a stalemate in the spot market. On one hand, sellers are avoiding closing deals at the levels offered by buyers. On the other, industries that had already increased their inventories have begun to operate with less intensity. According to Cepea, some companies have reduced the pace of acquisitions because they consider the volumes recently purchased to be sufficient. Among the industries that remain in the market, some maintained their price proposals, while others made only small adjustments.

The resistance from producers also helps to reduce the volume of negotiations. According to the Research Center, the values offered by the industries have not yet been sufficient to stimulate a wider release of [the product]. rice.

This stance, however, is not shared by all sellers. The need to meet financial obligations has led some producers to temporarily increase the availability of lots. This move, however, was not enough to change the prevailing scenario of restricted supply at current prices. The main barrier to new deals remains the gap between the expectations of both sides. It is noted that producers are asking for prices above those offered by the industries, which keeps negotiations limited.

In some regions of Rio Grande do Sul, another factor has added pressure to the competition for raw materials. According to Cepea, industries located in other states, including Goiás, have begun competing for available lots, increasing competition for rice. Thus, even with prices still on an upward trajectory in Rio Grande do Sul, the market is advancing at a more restrained pace. The lower immediate need for purchases by some industries and the resistance of producers to accept the offered prices keep the sector in a scenario of few transactions and strong competition for price formation.