India’s Rice Exports Surge in 2025 After Lifting Export Curbs
India’s rice exports rose sharply in 2025, climbing 19.4% year-on-year to 21.55 million tonnes, close to the all-time high recorded in 2022. The rebound followed New Delhi’s decision to lift all export restrictions imposed in 2022 and 2023, making Indian rice more competitive in global markets. Improved supplies from the world’s largest rice exporter also pushed Asian rice prices to their lowest levels in nearly a decade, easing food costs for import-dependent regions such as Africa.
Government officials said exports recovered quickly after the final curbs were removed in March, supported by record domestic production. Non-basmati rice shipments increased 25% to 15.15 million tonnes, while basmati exports rose 8% to a record 6.4 million tonnes. Total shipments climbed from 18.05 million tonnes in 2024, reflecting strong overseas demand once policy restrictions were rolled back.
India’s competitive pricing helped it regain market share from rivals such as Thailand and Vietnam. Non-basmati rice exports surged to countries including Bangladesh, Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Djibouti, while Iran, the UAE and the UK increased purchases of premium basmati rice. Industry executives noted that India continues to export more rice than the combined shipments of Thailand, Vietnam and Pakistan, underlining its dominant position in the global rice trade.
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