India's Rice Export Policy
From Ban to Liberalisation
India, historically the world's largest rice exporter, banned exports of non-basmati white rice in July 2023 to control domestic prices amid supply concerns. This was replaced with a Minimum Export Price (MEP) mechanism, and the government subsequently removed the MEP and export duties on non-basmati and parboiled rice categories through 2024 as domestic stock positions improved, effectively normalising exports again.
- Non-basmati white rice export ban: imposed 20 July 2023; later eased via a Minimum Export Price regime before restrictions were removed entirely by late 2024.
- India accounts for roughly 40% of global rice trade, making its export policy a significant swing factor for international rice prices and food security in importing countries.
- Rice export policy changes (bans, MEPs, duties) are typically notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
● Tracked since March 22, 2026 · last seen September 17, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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