India Lifts Wheat Export Ban, But High Prices May Threaten Shipments

India has lifted its four-year ban on wheat exports, allowing unrestricted shipments of grain and flour overseas. The decision was made after comfortable stockpiles eased food-security concerns.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade revised the wheat export policy from 'prohibited' to 'free', easing restrictions on durum wheat, flour, semolina, maida, and wholemeal atta among others.

However, traders say high prices may threaten shipments as Indian wheat remains too expensive for most global markets. The volume of exports will depend on price competitiveness and the availability of grain meeting export standards.