About Us
Founded by Jeremy Zwinger in 2002, The International Commodity Institute is the umbrella organization that serves to offer clients an integrated media source that connects all critical aspects of the world rice industry. The institute brings together in-depth market reports and analysis (The Rice Trader publications), trade networking (World Rice Conference and other Events), expounding in various media (Weekly Direct TV Interviews), working with international producers of commodities (Farm & Trade), helping entities with global consulting, and international recognition for achievements and contributions to the global rice industry (World’s Best Rice Award and The Rice Trader Lifetime Achievement Award).
From farm to fork, from research to destination, the rice industry will be able to utilize the tools offered by the International Commodities Institute for insights and the ability to understand short, medium, and long term industry consequences, interpret market dynamics into commercial success…
Testimonials About The rice trader
Mr. Vikram Sadiya
Director Agrisea Group of Dubai
“For the past eight years, AgriSea has consistently found immense value in its sponsorship and active participation in The Rice Trader’s World Rice Conference. The annual event has proven to be a cornerstone for AgriSea’s growth within the global rice industry, providing a platform to cultivate lasting connections and foster crucial business relationships. The conferences serve as an invaluable opportunity to network with industry leaders, explore emerging trends, and ultimately, expand our global reach. AgriSea highly recommends both The Rice Trader Report and the World Rice Conference to anyone seeking to thrive in this dynamic market, as we eagerly anticipate each year’s event.”
Tran Quang Vu
Strategy & International Markets Ho Quang Tri Private Enterprise
“The World’s Best Rice award, presented at the World Rice Conference, has been instrumental in shaping our journey. Our wins in 2019 and 2023 helped bring Vietnam’s ST25 rice to the forefront of the global market — a recognition that translated into trust, demand, and lasting partnerships. But beyond the accolades, what we value most is TRT’s unwavering emphasis on integrity. In an industry as competitive and diverse as rice, TRT has built a platform that champions fairness, credibility, and genuine excellence. We’re proud to be part of this global community.”
INTERNATIONAL CLIENT
Every year, the buzz of anticipation builds across our office as the calendar flips to the moment we’ll join the world’s premier gathering of rice professionals: The Rice Trader’s International Conference. Being not just a participant but a past winner, we’ve witnessed firsthand how TRT transforms a simple meeting into a powerhouse of industry insight, market intelligence, and genuine connection. The conference shines a spotlight on the global rice landscape, delivering critical data and fresh perspectives that directly fuel our strategy and growth. As proud clients, sponsors, and collaborators with the TRT brokering team, we cherish the partnerships forged on those bustling exhibition floors and look forward to many more years of shared success. Thank you, TRT—here’s to the next chapter of innovation and collaboration!
Executive Summary
June 1st, 2026:
Here is the hard and real reality. The market would need 5 consecutive El Niño events to be in balance with the current 36% stock-to-use number. That is how oversupplied this market is, with China or India easily being able to do all of the world trade by themselves. The market went from 100 miles an hour to about 50 mph this week, as the EID holiday combined with the lack of official Philippines allocations. The pace was slower, and players were rather cautious on their movements, especially with several in the trade getting caught on trade with a 20% deposit they could not ship. This week prices are MIXED to Softening as Thai 5% was quoted at a huge $460 PMT on what can be called frantic moves by the trade, but more impressively, with Indian 5% quoted at $340 PMT on the week, but with deals being talked about at much lower numbers, if it can even be shipped in the time the buyers want it. Let’s state the obvious and be clear: this is a $120 PMT spread from India and Thailand that we have never seen before and is going to have lasting and real effects on the market. Pakistan decided to follow India right down with 5% at $350 PMT and align itself with getting demand.
Thought of the week
Thought of the week: Working Trade ….
“A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.”
— @ Bod Dylan —
