In 2024, India is anticipated to observe a decline in its exports of basmati rice, while Pakistan gears up to seize the global market with its competitive pricing amid a surge in production.
Both nations, longstanding adversaries, are esteemed exporters of rice renowned for their distinct aroma and elongated grains, serving markets such as the USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iraq, and Iran.
The previous year, India encountered an 11.5 percent upsurge in rice exports, dispatching 4.9 million metric tons of grain and amassing a record revenue of $5.4 billion.
This upswing occurred when Pakistan faced production hurdles.
“Previously, buyers were hurrying to stockpile when Pakistan grappled with production challenges. However, this year, Pakistan offers lower prices than India due to augmented production,” disclosed Vijay Setia, an exporter from the state of Haryana in India to Reuters.
Forecasts predict a surge in Pakistan’s rice exports to 5 million tons in the ongoing fiscal year of 2023–24, surpassing the 3.7 million tons exported in the prior financial year.
Significantly, Iran, the largest purchaser of Indian basmati rice, reduced its acquisitions by 36% in 2023.
Reports suggest that Indian rice exporters face difficulties in maintaining competitiveness, especially after the government imposed a minimum export price of $1,200 per ton, exceeding the previous MEP of $950 set in October.
This pricing restriction poses a hurdle for Indian exporters striving to uphold their position in the global rice market. The dynamics of basmati rice exports in India are undergoing a noteworthy transformation in 2024, primarily influenced by intensified competition from Pakistan, coupled with various internal and external factors shaping market dynamics.
Consequently, India finds itself in a precarious situation, with dwindling market share and export volumes in the face of heightened competition and unfavorable external factors. To counter these challenges and sustain its position in the global basmati rice market, India may need to explore strategic measures such as enhancing product quality, diversifying export destinations, and adopting innovative marketing and pricing strategies to remain competitive in the evolving landscape.