FE REPORT

The government has extended the deadline for exporting aromatic rice to international markets by four more months to April 30, aiming to facilitate traders who were unable to meet previous shipment windows.

The extension of the deadline was announced through a circular issued by the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday.

The ministry had originally authorised the export of 18,150 tonnes of aromatic rice in April 2025, with shipment deadline set for September 30, 2025, followed by another 5,800 tonnes in May 2025 and the deadline was November 30, 2025.

Later, the deadline was pushed to December 30, 2025, but many traders failed to complete their approved shipments within the stipulated timeframe.

Following requests from exporters, the ministry decided to extend the deadline by another three months to facilitate the shipment.

According to the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), the country has seen a significant surge in aromatic rice production, reaching 1.02 million tonnes in the 2023-24 fiscal year, up from 0.58 million tonnes in 2017-18.

With domestic demand currently hovering around 0.4 million tonnes, Bangladesh holds a substantial surplus available for export.

Bangladeshi aromatic rice has strong demand in overseas markets, particularly among non-resident Bangladeshis. Key export destinations include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, several European countries, Japan, Malaysia, and South Africa.

Popular varieties such as Chinigura, Kalijeera, Kataribhog, Tulshimala, Badshabog, Durbashail, Banglamoti (local basmati), and Nenia are widely exported. Under current policy, up to 25 varieties of aromatic rice may be exported with special approval from the commerce ministry.

Leading private sector players, including Ispahani, Square, and Pran, currently export packaged rice to more than 135 countries annually, contributing significantly to rice export earnings.

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Published Date: February 9, 2026