US rice futures on the Chicago Board of Trade ended weak on Friday on lingering concerns about the government's burdensome global stocks forecast issued this week, traders said. An improved planting outlook in the top rice state of Arkansas was also bearish. Rains have delayed seeding in the Delta but conditions are expected to clear in the week ahead.
July rice ended 7-1/2 cents down at $11.93-1/2 per hundredweight. September closed 4-1/2 lower at $12.03. Volume was light, estimated at 421 futures. Overnight, there were 20 May deliveries which were met by a strong stopper. A UBS customer took 14. Traders awaiting results Iraq rice tender that closed May 12.