Boosting India's Rice Exports: Tax Incentives and Sustainable Practices.
The Indian Rice Exporter's Federation (IREF) has petitioned the government for tax incentives, interest subventions, and freight support in the forthcoming 2026 Budget, with the aim of enhancing the competitive edge of India's rice export sector while addressing sustainability concerns.
Source: devdiscourse.com
Mexico Sets Import Quotas for Rice, Beef, and Pork for 2026.
In a decree published in the Federation Official Gazette (DOF), SE established an import quota of 200,000t for paddy rice (unmilled rice) to be applicable throughout 2026. The measure aims to supplement national production and meet domestic consumption demands. The agreement specifies that the quota applies to tariff item 1006.10.99, which covers other types of rice excluding that from the State of Morelos, and will remain in force until Dec. 31, 2026.
Source: mexicobusiness.news
Rice farmers in the Philippines face more pressure as imports resume.
FILIPINO RICE FARMER Elvira C. Fadriquelan knew the numbers would not work long before she sold her wet-season harvest in October. The 60-year-old farmer, who works almost a hectare of rice land with her son in Lubao, Pampanga in northern Philippines, accepted P13 a kilo for palay, or unmilled rice. Her production costs, which include seeds, fertilizer, labor and land preparation, run closer to P16 to P20 a kilo.
Source: bworldonline.com
China Caps Beef Imports for 3 Years.
China ended 2025 by announcing tighter controls on beef imports, capping its tariff-rate quotas for three years and raising the over-quota tariff rate to 55%. China and Hong Kong combined were the No. 2 market for U.S. beef exports in 2024, totaling $1.98 billion in value, behind only South Korea.
Source: dtnpf.com
Sri Lankan growers oppose post cyclone vegetable imports.
The National Agrarian Unity (NAU) organisation in Sri Lanka has accused the government of using the impact of Cyclone Ditwah to justify vegetable imports, despite what it described as a sufficient local supply. Speaking to The Daily Morning, NAU president Anuradha Thennakoon said vegetable production this year has been strong, with adequate volumes harvested in major farming areas including Kandy, Bandarawela, Badulla, and Matale.
Source: freshplaza.com
Indonesia to stop importing corn, rice and sugar in 2026.
Indonesia will not import strategic food staples such as corn, rice and sugar for consumption in 2026, as stocks carried over from this year remain sufficient to meet national demand, the National Food Agency (Bapanas) said. Deputy Minister for Food Availability and Stabilization I Gusti Ketut Astawa said the country’s food security outlook for 2026 is secure and self-sufficient, allowing the government to adhere to a zero-import policy for key commodities.
Source: ukragroconsult.com
Meerut’s iconic Gajak and Rewri receive GI tag after a century of sweet history.
Meerut’s winters are famous for one thing: its sweets. And now, one of the city’s oldest traditions is getting the recognition it deserves. The city’s Gajak and Rewri, loved for over a century, have been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag. This means that the world will now know that these sweets belong to Meerut and nowhere else.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Israeli FTA Delegation to Visit India.
An Israeli delegation is expected to visit India this month as both sides edge toward a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that could redefine their economic ties and provide benefits to the diamond industries of both countries. Talks were dramatically reignited last November when an Indian delegation visited Tel Aviv and Terms of Reference were signed, as a possible precursor to a full agreement.
Source: idexonline.com
India and Saudi Arabia test demand for imported blueberries.
India continues to register modest volumes in global blueberry trade statistics, but underlying demand indicators point to gradual expansion. Population size, the growth of the urban middle class, and the rollout of modern retail formats are opening space for imported fruit previously positioned as a niche. Blueberries are currently concentrated in higher-income segments and large metropolitan areas, where they are associated with health-oriented diets, convenience, and international food trends. Consumption remains limited, but demand is broadening as exposure increases.
Source: freshplaza.com
Boost to Indian Onion Exports While Quality Issues Persist.
India’s onion exports received a boost in December, as Bangladesh resumed its position as a major purchaser, following a three-month import suspension. The Bangladeshi government imposed the import ban to support domestic producers. However, with domestic prices rising in Bangladesh, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) authorized the resumption of Indian onion imports in December.
Source: mintecglobal.com