With the addition of the UAE, Russia bans rice exports.

Both the UAE and Russia recently announced they would stop selling rice abroad, just a week after India imposed a similar ban.

The UAE Ministry of Economy announced on July 28th a four-month halt to rice exports. This regulation is effective immediately and applies to all types of rice. The UAE also banned the re-export of rice imported from India after July 20th.

Businesses wishing to export and re-export rice must apply for permission from the Ministry of Economy. If approved, their license will be valid for 30 days.

The UAE imports 90% of its food annually. Supermarkets and rice suppliers in the UAE predict that the decision will lead to price increases, albeit temporary ones. Last year, soaring food prices put pressure on the UAE and other Gulf countries.

People buy rice in a supermarket in Dubai. Photo: AFP — People buy rice in a supermarket in Dubai. Photo: *AFP*

On July 29, the Russian government also announced a ban on rice exports until the end of this year. The aim is to stabilize the domestic market.

"The ban does not apply to member states of the Eurasian Economic Union, as well as Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Furthermore, rice can still be sent abroad for humanitarian purposes," the Russian government announced.

In the latter half of last year, they also implemented this restriction. In July 2022, the Russian Ministry of Agriculture decided to ban the export of rice, grains, and amino acids used in animal feed until the end of the year. The aim was to ensure domestic food security, maintain stable domestic prices for these products, and support the processing and livestock industries. They later extended the ban until the end of June this year.

Rice is currently a staple food for over 3 billion people worldwide. The demand for rice is also steadily increasing.

The decisions by the UAE and Russia come just a week after India – the world's largest rice exporter – banned the international sale of non-Basmati rice varieties (a popular South Asian rice) to stabilize domestic prices.

Exports will only proceed if Indian authorities grant permission, at the request of the other country's government, to ensure food security in that country. For orders already signed, transactions will still be permitted. The Indian government stated that its decision will impact 25% of the country's total rice exports.

This ban could put pressure on global prices amid concerns that El Nino will destroy crops. Prices of many other major grains are also soaring due to tensions between Russia and Ukraine. India is currently restricting exports of wheat and sugar.

Ha Thu (according to Reuters, Vedomosti)

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