India's Rice Exports Surge In Late December On High Demand From Africa

December 31, 2025
India’s rice exports recovered strongly in the week ended December 26, rising to 137,170 tonnes from 62,016 tonnes a week earlier. The surge was driven by enhanced shipments from Kakinada port and steady demand from African markets, particularly from Guinea and Togo, primarily for IR64 parboiled and white rice varieties.

Japan Rice Producers Donate 1.4 Metric Tons Of Rice To Food Bank As Prices Soar

As food donations in Japan decline due to rising prices, farmers have donated 1.4 metric tons of newly harvested rice to a food bank for distribution to single-parent families and the homeless. Second Harvest Nagoya stated that inflation has reduced donations, with 2025 volumes expected to decrease to approximately 410 tons from over 500 tons in previous years.

UP urged to look at area-specific, evidence-based interventions in agriculture

Uttar Pradesh State Agriculture Council (UPSAC), a private body of entrepreneurs and agriculture scientists, has urged the state government to adopt area-specific, evidence-based interventions and scale proven models to enhance agricultural outcomes. In its first board meeting, UPSAC passed resolutions aimed at turning scale into value, production into prosperity, and growth into sustainability. Chairman Ghanshyam Khandelwal highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s potential as India’s top agricultural contributor and said UPSAC will serve as a policy think tank and platform to drive investment, innovation, and exports.

Indian Agri Sector Remains Strong Despite US Tariffs

India’s agriculture sector is set to end 2025 with record foodgrain output, driven by a strong monsoon and GST cuts on key inputs, despite global trade challenges. The agriculture ministry expects production in 2025-26 to surpass last year’s record 357.73 million tonnes, with healthy kharif output and steady rabi sowing, officials said.

India-Oman CEPA: Tariff Liberalisation, Rules Of Origin And Regulatory Cooperation

Under the India-Oman CEPA, most Indian exports (99.38%) will see reduced or zero tariffs, with some agricultural products phased out over 5–10 years. India will liberalize 94.81% of imports from Oman, phasing duties on livestock and meat, while sensitive items like dairy, tea, and metals remain protected.

Russian Wheat Export Prices Dip Amid Weak Demand And Rising Competition

Global wheat prices eased as Russian export prices fell due to weak demand and rising competition. Despite ample supplies and aggressive pricing, buying interest remained limited, with importers either well stocked or waiting amid market and currency volatility.

India’s Export To Australia Recording Healthy Growth; Trade Pact Completes 3 Yrs

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday that from January 1 next year, 100 per cent Australian product categories will be duty-free for Indian exports. He also said India’s exports to Australia rose 8 per cent in 2024-25, with major gains witnessed across chemicals, textiles, plastics, pharma, petroleum products, and gems and jewellery sectors.

Cochin Airport Boosts Export Cargo Handling Capacity

Cochin International Airport has upgraded its export cargo facilities, increasing annual handling capacity from 75,000 to 1.25 lakh tonnes. The expanded warehouse includes advanced screening, safety, cold storage and secure handling areas, boosting efficiency and meeting strict security standards.

India Becomes Top Rice Producer, But Farmers Are Running Out Of Water

India has emerged as the world’s largest producer of rice, surpassing China this year and exporting over 20 million metric tons in the latest fiscal year. Despite this feat, many rice farmers in Punjab and Haryana remain concerned as falling groundwater levels threaten their livelihoods and the sustainability of agriculture in the region.

US Tariff Shadow Pushes Seafood Export Sector Into Uncertainty

As the New Year begins, the festival season in the US will end, and India’s seafood export industry is anxiously waiting for good news from trade talks. Indian seafood exports to the US are expected to stop completely by January 15, when existing orders run out. Since the US government imposed a 50% reciprocal tariff on Indian products, there have been no new trade enquiries.