Forecast: Rice exports to jump 32%

KARACHI: Rice exports from Pakistan may go up by 32% to 3.7 million tons from 2.8 million tons, according to International Grains Council (IGC) report. Meanwhile, India’s rice exports are projected to increase to five million tons this year, said IGC, which forecast rice exports for five major exporters. Barring India and Pakistan, rice exports from Thailand, Vietnam and United States are expected to be lower in current calendar year, says the report. IGC noted that total global shipments are seen to be down at 31.5 million tons this year against 34.1 million tons last year, due to significantly reduced imports to markets in Far East Asia.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2012.