- Rice exports grow sharply by 33% y-o-y in Q1, 27% in Q2
- Global supply glut reduces demand for Indian rice in Jul’25
India’s rice exports have shown a fluctuating trend in the first seven months of the year, with strong growth in H1CY’25 but a significant downturn observed in July. A m-o-m analysis comparing 2024 and 2025 data reveals a mixed performance, beginning with a strong start and concluding with a notable decline.
H1CY’25 sees robust export growth
In the first quarter (Q1) of the year, spanning January to March, rice exports reached 70.8 lakh metric tonnes (MT) in 2025. This marks a substantial 33% increase compared to the 53.3 lakh MT exported during the same period in 2024. The strong performance in Q1 set a positive tone for the year’s export figures.
The momentum continued into the second quarter (Q2), covering April–June. Exports in Q2CY’25 amounted to 62.1 lakh MT, representing a 27% increase over 49.0 lakh MT in Q2CY’24.
India maintained a competitive edge in pricing, especially for its non-basmati varieties. This affordability made Indian rice attractive for importing nations such as Sub-Saharan Africa, while steady production filled supply gaps caused by climate challenges elsewhere.
Trend reverses sharply in Jul’25
The most concerning development was in July, which saw a sharp reversal of growth. For the first time in 2025, exports fell below 2024 levels. Exports in July 2025 were 14.1 lakh MT, a 1% decline compared to 14.2 lakh MT in July 2024.
This decrease signals a potential shift in export dynamics. Ample harvests in Thailand and Vietnam and slowing purchases from Indonesia and the Philippines added pressure, dampening Indian export demand.
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