India Lifts Four-Year Wheat Export Ban Amid Improved Supply Situation
India has lifted its four-year wheat export ban, allowing traders to export wheat, durum wheat, atta, maida, and other major wheat products without quantitative restrictions. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade issued two notifications on August 24, 2026, moving the covered products from 'Prohibited' to 'Free' with immediate effect.
The decision is a result of improved supply situation in India, with Food Corporation of India wheat stocks standing at 50.5 million tonnes on August 1, 2026, which is almost 46% higher than a year earlier and the highest level in five years.
Although the ban has been lifted, traders say price remains the biggest constraint on overseas sales. Indian wheat remains expensive compared to several competing origins, and it needs to be priced at around ₹2,600 per 100 kg for many export transactions to become commercially viable.