Rice Exports Surge to Over 21.5 Million Tons

12-Jan-2026 11:11 AM

Hyderabad: Following the removal of restrictions, regulations, and duties, India's rice exports have increased dramatically. A remarkable growth of over 19 percent was recorded during 2025.

The removal of duties made Indian rice highly competitive, leading to a surge in shipments to the second-highest level ever.

According to senior official sources, the pace of Indian rice shipments accelerated after the government lifted export controls in March 2025. 

Meanwhile, robust domestic production ensured ample supply and availability of rice, leading to price stability.

The weaker rupee exchange rate also contributed significantly to the increase in shipments. The central government had imposed some restrictions, controls, and duties on rice exports in 2022 and 2023, which were completely removed by 2025.

According to available data, India exported 18.05 million tons of rice in 2024, which increased by a massive 3.5 million tons, or 19.4 percent, to 21.55 million tons in 2025. This is the second-highest export figure after the all-time high of 22.3 million tons in 2022.

Under this, non-basmati rice exports jumped by 25 percent to 15.15 million tons, and basmati rice shipments increased by 8 percent to a new record level of 6.4 million tons.

During the period under review, Indian non-basmati rice exports increased rapidly to Bangladesh, Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Djibouti, while shipments of premium quality basmati rice saw a significant increase to Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United Kingdom.