India’s Rice Exports Likely to Reach 24 Million Tonnes in 2025-26: USDA

15-May-2025 11:37 AM

India’s Rice Exports Likely to Reach 24 Million Tonnes in 2025-26: USDA
★ India is expected to export 24 million tonnes of rice in the 2025-26 marketing year, potentially capturing around 40% of the global rice market, according to the USDA.
★ Rice production in India is projected to rise for the 10th consecutive year. In the 2024-25 Kharif season, production is estimated at 121 million tonnes, which is about 7% higher than the previous year.
★ As of April 27, 2025, the central pool stock of wheat and rice stood at 66.16 million tonnes, while the annual requirement for the Public Distribution System (PDS) is 60 million tonnes.
★ To control domestic inflation, India had imposed several export restrictions on rice starting in 2022. However, all these restrictions have now been lifted.
★ India exported 3.9 million tonnes of broken rice  in 2022. This variety is in high demand, especially in countries like China, Senegal, and Djibouti, due to its lower price.
★ India’s competitive pricing policy may lead to a decline in rice exports from other Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar.
★ While increased exports are beneficial for the global rice trade, there is a concern that if prices don't rise before the Kharif sowing season, the area under cultivation could decline.