India retained its crown as the world’s largest rice exporter in FY 2024-25, shipping 20.1 million tonnes worth US $ 12.95 billion. This ABC Live Research Report decodes how policy reforms, price shifts, and market diversification helped India balance domestic inflation control with export competitiveness—and what lies ahead as Bharat International Rice Conference 2025 sets the next stage for global rice diplomacy.
New Delhi (ABC Live): Rice is not just an agricultural commodity for India — it is a strategic export lever, a political stabiliser, and a livelihood source for over 100 million farmers. From Punjab’s basmati belts to Chhattisgarh’s parboiled clusters, rice embodies the story of India’s agrarian diplomacy and global food security contribution.
In a year marked by climate volatility, protectionist export bans, and geopolitical supply disruptions in the Red Sea and Black Sea routes, India continued to anchor the global rice market, accounting for more than 40 per cent of world trade. With exports touching US $ 12.95 billion (₹ 1.07 lakh crore) in FY 2024-25, India not only defended its leadership but also re-balanced trade policy between domestic inflation control and export competitiveness.
This research report by ABC Live’s Economy & Trade Desk analyses official data, policy measures, and global market movements to decode how India maintained its edge — and what lies ahead as Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025 brings government and private exporters to a common policy platform.
Overview
India remains the world’s largest rice exporter for the third consecutive year, supplying over 40 per cent of global rice trade in 2024-25.
According to the Department of Commerce and APEDA, total exports stood at 20.1 million metric tonnes (MMT), valued at approximately US $ 12.95 billion.
This represented a 6.2 per cent year-on-year growth in value, despite intermittent restrictions aimed at curbing food inflation.
Category-wise Export Performance
| Category | Volume (MMT) FY 2024-25 | Value (US$ $ Billion) | YoY Change | Major Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basmati Rice | 6.06 | 5.87 | + 14 % value growth | Saudi Arabia (22 %), Iran (18 %), Iraq (10 %) |
| Non-Basmati Rice | 14.04 | 7.08 | + 3.5 % recovery post ban | Benin, Guinea, Togo, Senegal |
| Total Rice | 20.1 | 12.95 | + 6.2 % overall growth | 170 + countries |
Interpretation →
Basmati exports benefited from firm Gulf demand and premium pricing; non-basmati shipments rebounded after policy relaxation. The diversification into East Asian and Latin American markets reduced regional dependency.
Policy Reforms (2023–2025 Cycle)
| Period | Policy Measure | Impact on Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2023 | Ban on non-basmati white rice | Temporarily checked domestic prices but cut exports ~20 % |
| Aug 2023 | 20 % duty on parboiled rice | Raised landed cost; orders shifted to Thailand/Vietnam |
| Sep–Oct 2024 | MEPs withdrew and duties were removed | India regained price leadership in Africa |
| Mar 2025 | Broken rice ban lifted | 1.6 MMT added to feed and ethanol segments |
| Oct 2025 | De-oiled rice bran exports resumed | US $ 100 million by-product earnings |
Interpretation →
The rollback of curbs in late 2024 restored India’s competitive advantage. Strong FCI stocks allowed liberalisation without threatening food security.
Price and Competitiveness Trends
| Month (2024-25) | 5 % Broken Non-Basmati FOB (US$/MT) | 1121 Basmati FOB (US$/MT) |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2024 | 560 | 1 050 |
| Oct 2024 | 520 | 1 075 |
| Feb 2025 | 495 | 1 090 |
| Jun 2025 | 505 | 1 120 |
Interpretation →
Post-MEP removal, non-basmati prices corrected 5–8 %, reviving African demand, while basmati held steady on tight Pakistani supply.
Global Market Landscape
| Region | Key Importers | Indian Share 2024-25 (%) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Africa | Benin, Togo, Senegal, Guinea | 41 | Stable volumes |
| Middle East | Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran | 58 | Premium GCC demand |
| East Asia/Oceania | Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia | 9 | New markets |
| Latin America | Mexico, Panama, Cuba | 2 | Rising through FTA push |
Interpretation →
India’s exporter network now spans 170 + countries, broadening its trade footprint beyond Africa and the Gulf.
Production and Stock Indicators
| Parameter | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | Change % | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Output (MMT) | 135.8 | 137.2 | + 1.0 | USDA / MoA |
| FCI Procurement (MMT) | 52.1 | 54.5 | + 4.6 | FCI |
| Buffer Stock (Apr 2025 MMT) | 44.8 | 45.2 | + 0.9 | DFA |
| MSP (₹/quintal) | 2 183 | 2 300 | + 5.4 | CACP |
Interpretation →
High procurement and buffers ensured price stability and export headroom.
Risks and Uncertainties (2025-26)
| Risk | Impact | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| El Niño weather | Possible 2–3 MMT loss | Diversify crop zones |
| Thai/Vietnam competition | Lower offers | GI branding |
| Red Sea tensions | Freight cost +10 % | Use alternate ports |
| Inflation concerns | Policy re-tightening | Use tariffs, not bans |
Strategic Opportunities
- Fortified and Value-Added Rice for nutrition markets in Africa/ASEAN.
- By-product Exports: De-oiled bran and rice-bran oil market worth US $ 200 million.
- Digital Traceability via APEDA blockchain for MRL compliance.
- Port Diversification to reduce turnaround time and freight costs.
2025-26 Outlook
| Metric | 2024-25 | 2025-26 Forecast | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export Volume (MMT) | 20.1 | 20–23 | Stable to ↑ 10 % |
| Export Value (US$ $ Bn) | 12.95 | 13.5–14 | ↑ Nominal growth |
| Basmati Share (%) | 45 | 47 | ↑ Premium |
| Market Reach | 170 + | 185 + | Expanding |
Interpretation →
Assuming normal weather and stable policy, India should sustain 20–23 MMT exports valued near US $ 13–14 billion, led by basmati and new Asian buyers.
Why ABC Live Is Publishing This Report Now
Ahead of BIRC 2025 (New Delhi), the rice sector is at an inflection point where trade diplomacy meets private innovation.
This ABC Live research integrates official data, trade policy, and export economics to inform both policymakers and agri-export stakeholders.
Verified References
- PIB (Dept. of Commerce): Clarification on BIRC 2025 & India’s Rice Exports FY 2024-25 — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2058240
- APEDA Trade Data Portal — https://apeda.gov.in/apedawebsite/SubHead_Products/Rice.htm
- USDA FAS Report (Sept 2025) — https://apps.fas.usda.gov/gain
- Economic Times (26 Oct 2025): India Exports 20.1 MMT Rice Worth US $ 12.95 bn
- IFPRI Blog (Oct 2024): India’s Rice Export Policies and Global Food Markets
ABC Live Editorial Credits
Research & Data: Dr. Vasu Srinivasan | Verification: Parminder Kaur | Design: ABC Graphics Lab
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