India allows wheat and sugar exports to ease farmer protests amid US trade deal

trade minister assured that safeguards were in place. In a statement, the federal government said the decision was intended to stabilize domestic markets and ensure financial returns for farmers, following a review of current supply and price trends. Last month, authorities allowed the export of 500,000 tons of wheat flour and other wheat products, and in November, 1.5 million tons of sugar were approved for export for the season starting October 1. Traders noted that the export approval could boost sentiment in the domestic market, but meeting the allocated volumes may be challenging due to high Indian prices. Indian wheat is offered at around $280 per ton FOB, compared with about $200 per ton for Argentine supplies. Neighboring Bangladesh is securing higher-quality wheat at approximately $260 per ton C&F. India banned wheat exports in 2022 following extreme heat that reduced yields, and the ban was extended in 2023 and 2024, leading to record domestic prices and speculation that ...