India Lifts Wheat Export Ban Amid High Prices
India has lifted its ban on wheat exports after months of quota-based restrictions. The decision was made possible by comfortable government stocks and no immediate food security concerns, according to an international commodity trading association head.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade revised the export policy for durum wheat and other wheat from 'Prohibited' to 'Free' with immediate effect on August 24.
However, traders say that high prices may limit shipments. Indian wheat is currently priced higher than global prices, making it difficult for exporters to break even.
The government had initially allowed wheat exports in limited quantities, opening a 2.5 million tonne quota in February and later approving another 2.5 million tonnes.
Government wheat procurement during the 2026-27 marketing season reached about 35.76 million tonnes, exceeding the revised target of 34.6 million tonnes.