Topic
basmati rice
Trade Afghanistan likely to boost direct Basmati rice imports from India amid Pakistan tensions
Indian and Afghan traders will meet next month to expand direct Basmati rice trade after preliminary discussions facilitated by the PHD Chamber of Commerce. Afghanistan, which consumes 0.5 million tonnes of Basmati annually, is diversifying away from traditional Pakistani supplies due to bilateral tensions. Direct imports from India via Iran's Bandar Abbas port are under consideration, though diplomatic recognition issues remain a hurdle.
Commodities Global Consumers Reshape Basmati Rice Market with Demands for Traceability, Health, and Convenience
The global basmati rice market, valued at over $13 billion in 2024, is being transformed by a new breed of consumers who prioritize traceability, health attributes like low glycemic index, aged varieties, and convenient packaging. India's Geographical Indication tag has become a marketing asset, and exporters are seeing growing demand for verified provenance. The report highlights key trends including the rise of aged basmati (23% of domestic sales), the health-conscious consumer shift, and the move toward smaller pack sizes and ready-to-cook formats.
Commodities Battle Over Basmati Rice GI for Madhya Pradesh Heats Up as Exporters Oppose Expansion
The All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA) has formally opposed expanding the Basmati rice geographical indication (GI) area to include Madhya Pradesh, passing a resolution at a meeting in Sonipat, Haryana. The move challenges Madhya Pradesh's long-standing demand, supported by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, but resisted by traditional Basmati-growing states like Punjab and Haryana. The issue is sub-judice, with APEDA and the Madras High Court involved.
Trade Pakistan Duty Drawback Extension Threatens India's Basmati Rice Export Competitiveness
Pakistan's Ministry of Commerce issued a duty drawback order for Basmati exporters in January 2026, offering up to 9% of f.o.b. value for exports at $750/tonne or more. The benefit, set to expire June 30, may be extended, worrying Indian exporters about lower global realisations. Despite India's higher average realisation of $920/tonne in April 2026, Pakistan's lower benchmark could pressure Indian Basmati prices.
Trade Basmati rice, tea exports to West Asia grind to halt as Strait of Hormuz closure disrupts trade
Exports of basmati rice and premium orthodox tea from India to West Asia have ceased due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Three vessels laden with 100,000 tonnes of basmati rice are idling at Kandla Port. Tea exporters are unable to fulfill orders from GCC countries, with only small consignments moving via Turkey. The disruption follows an attack on the Indian-flagged vessel MT Marivex off Oman.