India extends sugar export ban

India today extended the restrictions on sugar export for an indefinite period in a move aimed at increasing the availability of the commodity in the domestic market during the festive season.

Earlier, the restrictions were supposed to end on October 31 of this year.

However, it said the fresh curbs would not be applicable to sugar being exported to the EU and the US under duty concession quotas. A specified amount of sugar is exported to these regions under tariff rate quotas.

"Restriction on export of sugar --raw sugar, white sugar, refined sugar, and organic sugar -- is extended beyond October 31, 2023. Other conditions will remain unchanged," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

India is the highest producer and the second-largest exporter of sugar in the world.

Under the restrictions, an exporter would require a licence from the government to export sugar.

The government has been continuously monitoring the situation in the sugar sector, including production, consumption, exports, and price trends in wholesale and retail markets all over the country.

Meanwhile, India today allowed exports of 10.35 lakh tonnes of non-basmati white rice to seven countries, including Nepal, Cameroon and Malaysia.

However, there is an Indian restriction on export of non-basmati white rice to Bangladesh.

The export is permitted through National Cooperative Exports Limited, the DGFT said in a notification.

The exports of non-basmati white rice were banned on July 20 to boost domestic supply, but they are allowed on the basis of government permission to certain countries to meet their food security needs and on request.

"Export of non-basmati white rice... to Nepal, Cameroon, Cote D' Ivore, Guinea, Malaysia, Philippines, and Seychelles is notified," it said.