Why has India resumed wheat exports after a four-year ban, and what are the key conditions enabling this move?

India has resumed wheat exports after four years due to a robust harvest following favourable weather in the previous year, which helped rebuild depleted government reserves and eliminated speculation about needing to import wheat for the first time since 2017; the government subsequently allowed traders to export 2.5 million tons earlier this year and another 2.5 million tons late last month, creating a formal policy window for shipments.

What is the scale, destination, and pricing of India's first wheat export deal in four years, and who is involved?

The first wheat export deal in four years involves 22,000 metric tons loaded by consumer goods conglomerate ITC at the western port of Kandla for shipment to the United Arab Emirates, priced at around $275 per ton free on board, according to trade sources who declined to be identified.

India Resumes Wheat Exports After Four Years; High Prices Likely to Limit Demand

May 4, 2026

India resumed wheat exports for the first time in four years following a robust harvest, with ITC shipping 22,000 tons to the UAE. However, high domestic prices may restrict volumes compared to cheaper Australian or Black Sea supplies.

reuters

2026-05-04

India Resumes Wheat Exports After Four Years; High Prices Likely to Limit Demand

India Resumes Wheat Exports After Four Years; High Prices Likely to Limit Demand

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