China Resumes Imports of Indian Broken Rice

17-Apr-2026 10:43 AM

New Delhi. After initially rejecting several consignments, China has now resumed the import of broken rice from India, as it is currently available at the most attractive and competitive prices.

It is noteworthy that China had previously alleged that grain consignments imported from India contained traces of GM rice; however, the reality is that GM (Genetically Modified) rice is not produced in India at all.

While Indian rice is available at low prices, its shipping costs have risen significantly. This is primarily due to a production crisis in West Asia, which has led to a massive 50 percent surge in the prices of bunker fuel—the fuel used to power ships.

The President of the Rice Exporters Association of India states that, alongside China, rice exports from India to various West Asian nations have also commenced.

The average Free on Board (FOB) unit export offer price for Indian broken rice currently ranges between $300 and $310 per ton; however, the rise in bunker fuel prices has driven up container freight charges.

According to a leading export firm, the freight cost for a 20-foot container has climbed to $75–80 per ton, even though no "war surcharge" is currently being levied.

The conflict between Iran and the U.S. has not had any significant impact on India's exports of non-Basmati rice; however, difficulties are being encountered in the shipment of Basmati rice.