Rice Trade Intensifies as India and Pakistan Remove Export Restrictions


Published Date: October 17, 2024
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The global rice market witnessed significant changes this week as India and Pakistan both lifted export restrictions on key rice varieties, causing a drop in global rice prices. These developments are expected to have major implications for rice exporters and importers worldwide, particularly in the Basmati and non-Basmati rice sectors.

India Resumes Rice Exports

India, the world’s largest rice exporter, lifted its ban on the export of non-Basmati white rice, which had been in place for over a year. The government had originally imposed this restriction to stabilise domestic supplies and prices amid inflation concerns. However, a larger-than-expected crop yield in 2024 has allowed India to replenish its rice reserves, leading to the decision to reopen its export channels. This move is expected to have a significant impact on the global rice trade, given India's dominance in the market.

India controls nearly 40% of the global rice trade, with a significant market share in Basmati rice alone. In the fiscal year 2022-23, India earned over $11 billion from rice exports, with Basmati rice contributing $4.7 billion of that total. With the recent lifting of export restrictions, Indian rice exporters are expected to ramp up their presence in global markets, potentially increasing competition for other major rice-producing countries.

Pakistan’s Response and Market Strategy

In response to India’s decision, Pakistan also announced the removal of its minimum export price (MEP) for all rice varieties, a measure that had been in place since 2023. Pakistan's MEP had set prices at $1,300 per metric tonne for Basmati rice and $550 for non-Basmati rice. This policy was originally implemented to capitalize on the higher demand and limited supply caused by India’s previous export restrictions.

With the MEP now removed, Pakistan is aiming to remain competitive in the global rice market. Pakistani rice exporters had enjoyed a temporary advantage when Indian rice became scarce, leading to increased demand for Pakistani rice. From July 2023 to June 2024, Pakistan experienced a significant 60% growth in its rice export volume, generating nearly $3.9 billion from the export of six million metric tonnes of rice. However, with India’s return to the market, Pakistani rice exporters will once again face stiff competition, particularly in the Basmati segment.

Market Competition Intensifies

India’s re-entry into the global market is expected to lead to increased competition for countries like Pakistan. India’s vast production capacity and lower prices due to economies of scale provide a competitive edge. On the other hand, Pakistan’s decision to remove the MEP allows it to remain flexible in pricing, which could help it retain buyers in key markets, such as the Gulf, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Pakistan, the fourth-largest rice exporter globally, accounts for the remaining 35% of the global Basmati rice trade. Although Pakistan cannot compete with India in terms of volume, it aims to maintain strong export levels due to an expected increase in domestic rice production. Forecasts suggest that Pakistan's rice output could exceed 10 million metric tonnes this year, up from 9.8 million metric tonnes last year. This potential increase in supply offers opportunities for Pakistan to export bulk rice and strengthen its position in emerging markets like Indonesia and the Philippines.

Challenges for Rice Exporters in Both Countries

While rice exporters are optimistic about the lifting of export restrictions, there are concerns about how the market will adjust. For Pakistani rice exporters, the elimination of the MEP may lead to more competitive pricing, but it has caused discontent among local farmers. Many growers fear that lower export prices could hurt their profits and reduce the overall revenue from rice sales. In contrast, Indian rice exporters are expected to benefit from the resumption of export activities, allowing them to reclaim lost market share.

Outlook for the Global Rice Trade

As India and Pakistan resume exports, the global rice market is likely to see a stabilisation in prices, benefitting importers looking to source rice in bulk. Export bulk rice strategies will be critical for both nations as they aim to capture demand from regions that have faced supply shortages in recent months. The competition between India and Pakistan will intensify in the Basmati segment, where both countries have strong market positions.

In conclusion, the removal of export restrictions by India and Pakistan marks a turning point for the global rice market. Rice exporters in both countries will need to adapt to evolving market dynamics while balancing domestic needs with international demand. The next few months will reveal how these changes impact global trade flows, pricing strategies, and the broader agricultural sector.

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Reference : Aljazeera

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