India, Bangladesh’s largest rice supplier, introduced new export regulations on 24 September requiring exporters of all rice varieties except basmati to register their contracts with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) before shipment. The directive from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) aims to tighten monitoring and align exports with domestic food security goals.
Despite the new rules, Bangladesh has reported no major impact on imports. Officials from Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Food (DG Food) said the market remains stable due to sufficient reserves and timely compliance by Indian exporters. “The registration requirement will not disrupt imports,” said Md. Moniruzzaman, Director of the procurement division at DG Food, noting that contracted suppliers have already met the new criteria.
Bangladesh imported nearly 600,000 tonnes of rice from India in the last fiscal year, and the current year’s target remains similar. For FY’25, DG Food has set an overall import target of 950,000 tonnes, including 97,000 tonnes of atap (non-parboiled) rice, with the remainder parboiled. Private importers echoed the government’s stance, stating that shipments are continuing smoothly under the new system.
Government reserves remain comfortable at 1.6 million tonnes, above the safe stock level of 1.2 million tonnes. As of March 2025, combined rice and wheat stocks were 1.517 million tonnes, only slightly lower than the previous year due to reduced procurement during the 2024 Boro season. Aman procurement in 2024 reached 79% of the rice target and 7.5% of the paddy target, but flood-related production losses prompted government approval to import 1 million tonnes of rice. Stocks are expected to strengthen once the Aman procurement drive begins after 15 November.
Domestic rice prices in Bangladesh have stayed stable over the past two months, supported by steady inflows and sufficient supply. In Dhaka wholesale markets, coarse rice trades at BDT 60-65/kg and fine rice at BDT 75-80/kg. Trading Corporation of Bangladesh data shows similar pricing ranges. Although prices have nearly doubled since the pre-pandemic period, there has been no recent volatility.
Internationally, rice prices have declined sharply from last year. The average import price has dropped to $359/tonne from $477/tonne, according to DG Food. Myanmar’s export price fell to $376/tonne from $515/tonne, while Vietnamese rice remains at a comparable level. Bangladesh has signed a deal to import 100,000 tonnes from Myanmar and plans a similar agreement with Vietnam, further diversifying supply sources.
At a recent government purchase advisory committee meeting, approval was granted to import 50,000 tonnes of rice from India, with an additional tender for 50,000 tonnes scheduled for 15 October. These steps aim to secure adequate stock ahead of the new crop season.
Market observers expect Bangladesh’s rice supply chain to remain stable in the coming months, supported by strong reserves, diversified import channels and easing global prices. While India’s new registration rule adds a procedural step, it has not led to trade disruptions, leaving Bangladesh’s rice market insulated for now.
