India’s rice exports surge to near record in 2025

India’s rice exports surged 19% in 2025 to 21.55M tons, near record highs, as curbs lifted. Non‑basmati rose 25%, basmati hit 6.4M tons

India’s rice exports rose sharply in 2025, reaching the second-highest level ever recorded after the government lifted all restrictions on shipments. Exports climbed 19.4% to 21.55 million metric tons, compared with 18.05 million tons in 2024, placing volumes close to the 2022 peak of 22.3 million tons.

The rebound followed the removal of curbs that had been imposed in 2022 and 2023 to stabilize domestic supplies. With record production ensuring adequate availability, the government cleared the final restrictions in March 2025, allowing exporters to regain lost ground in global markets.

The surge in Indian rice supplies had a significant impact on international trade. Shipments from rivals Thailand and Vietnam slowed, while prices across Asia fell to their lowest in nearly a decade. The decline in prices eased food costs for consumers in Africa and other import-dependent regions.

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Non-basmati rice accounted for the bulk of the growth, with exports jumping 25% to 15.15 million tons. Premium basmati rice also saw strong demand, rising 8% to a record 6.4 million tons. Key buyers of non-basmati rice included Bangladesh, Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Djibouti. Meanwhile, basmati shipments expanded to Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

Industry officials noted that India’s competitive pricing compared with other exporting nations helped the country reclaim market share. Lower costs made Indian rice more attractive globally, reinforcing its dominance in the trade.

India continues to lead the global rice market, typically exporting more than the combined volumes of Thailand, Vietnam, and Pakistan. With curbs lifted and production strong, 2025 reaffirmed the country’s position as the world’s largest supplier of rice.

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