South African importers have expressed approval of India's decision to relax restrictions on rice exports, according to a report by Press Trust of India published on October 6. Global rice prices have eased since the Indian government lifted its ban on the export of non-basmati white rice last month. The ban, introduced on July 20, 2023 to increase domestic supply, had been in effect for over a year.

Pranav Thakkar of Dev International, one of the largest importers of Indian products in South Africa, welcomed the move, stating that the country imports approximately 10mn tonnes of rice annually. He said that after Thailand and Vietnam, which together account for 70% of South Africa's rice imports, India is the next largest supplier. Thakkar also said that short-grain white rice is sold in South Africa for the general population and is re-exported to neighbouring countries.

Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the South African Agricultural Business Chamber, explained that global rice prices have fallen recently due to an anticipated surplus in global supply. He noted that India’s ban on non-basmati white and broken rice affected 45% of the 22mn tonnes of rice the country exports annually, according to Press Trust of India.

Restaurant owners specialising in Indian cuisine are also relieved by the prospect of lower rice prices, the publication said. Mehmood Latif, owner of Desi Khana restaurant in south Johannesburg said that more customers prefer rice with their curries rather than roti or naan, so his costs have gone up recently due to the rise in rice prices.

India is the world’s largest rice exporter and accounts for nearly 40% of global rice trade, holding a 65% share of the basmati market. In September, India decided to scrap $950 per metric tonne minimum export price on basmati rice.