India's rice exports experienced a dramatic recovery in 2025, surging 19.4% as the government's decision to lift export restrictions restored the country's competitive edge in global markets. The world's largest rice exporter shipped 21.55 million metric tons during the year, marking the second-highest export level in India's history and approaching the 2022 record of 22.3 million tons.

Export Restrictions Removal Drives Recovery

The export surge followed the Centre's decision in March to remove the final set of export limits that had been imposed in 2022 and 2023. According to government officials, the restrictions were lifted due to record domestic production and improved supply conditions. "Indian shipments rebounded quickly after the government lifted export restrictions in March," a government official told Reuters.

The removal of these curbs made Indian rice significantly more competitive in international markets, with lower prices helping the country regain market share lost during the restriction period.

Strong Performance Across Rice Categories

The export growth was broad-based, with both major rice categories showing robust performance:

Basmati rice exports reached a record high of 6.4 million tons, while non-basmati rice shipments experienced particularly strong growth at 25%.

Key Market Destinations and Global Impact

India's export recovery significantly impacted global rice trade dynamics. Non-basmati rice exports increased sharply to several key markets including Bangladesh, Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Djibouti. Meanwhile, premium basmati rice saw increased demand from Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Britain.

The surge in Indian rice exports had broader implications for the global market, pushing rice prices in Asia to their lowest point in nearly a decade. This price decline made rice more affordable for low-income consumers in Africa and other regions, while simultaneously curbing shipments from competing exporters such as Thailand and Vietnam.

Market Competitiveness and Industry Outlook

India's dominant position in global rice trade was reinforced by the 2025 performance. The country typically exports more rice than the next three biggest exporters—Thailand, Vietnam, and Pakistan—combined. Industry experts highlighted the competitive advantage gained through the policy changes.

"Indian rice is very competitive compared with supplies from other exporting countries, with lower prices helping India regain lost market share," said Nitin Gupta, senior vice president at Olam Agri India, speaking at the India International Rice Summit. The combination of competitive pricing and reliable supply has positioned India to maintain its leadership in global rice markets.

India's rice exports experienced remarkable growth in 2025, surging 19.4% to reach near-record levels after the government lifted all export restrictions. The world's largest rice exporter shipped 21.55 million metric tons during the year, marking the second-highest export volume on record and demonstrating the immediate impact of policy changes on trade flows.

Export Performance Breakdown

The lifting of export curbs in March 2025 enabled India to quickly regain its competitive position in global rice markets. Government officials reported that improved supply conditions, supported by record domestic production, facilitated the removal of the last remaining export restrictions that had been imposed during 2022 and 2023.

The 2025 export volume approached India's all-time record of 22.30 million tons achieved in 2022, before export restrictions were implemented. Non-basmati rice shipments drove the majority of growth, jumping 25% to 15.15 million tons, while basmati exports increased 8% to reach a record 6.40 million tons.

Market Expansion and Regional Demand

India's enhanced competitiveness resulted in significant market share gains across multiple regions. Non-basmati rice shipments expanded notably to several key destinations, including Bangladesh, Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Djibouti. Meanwhile, premium basmati rice found increased demand from Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Britain throughout the year.

The surge in Indian rice exports had broader implications for global rice markets, with increased shipments from India curbing exports from competing nations Thailand and Vietnam. This market dynamic contributed to driving rice prices in Asia to their lowest levels in nearly a decade, providing cost relief for consumers in Africa and other importing regions.

Competitive Positioning

India's dominance in global rice trade was reinforced by the 2025 performance, with the country typically exporting more rice than the combined shipments of the world's next three largest exporters: Thailand, Vietnam, and Pakistan. Industry experts attributed India's success to competitive pricing advantages that helped the country regain market share lost during the period of export restrictions.

The combination of policy support through the removal of export curbs, record domestic production, and competitive pricing positioned India to capitalize on global rice demand effectively. The strong performance across both basmati and non-basmati segments demonstrated the breadth of India's appeal in international rice markets, from premium specialty varieties to bulk commodity shipments.