Staff Correspondent 

The government has cut the approved quota for aromatic rice exports by 50 per cent to keep domestic rice supplies normal, ensure food security and contain possible price pressures in the local market.

According to a notification issued by the commerce ministry on Tuesday, the quantities of aromatic rice previously allocated to 278 approved exporters have been halved.

The revised allocations would take effect immediately, while the approvals would remain valid until December 31 of this year.

Under the decision, large food-processing companies as well as medium and small exporters would not be allowed to export more than half of their previously approved quantities of aromatic rice.

According to the ministry officials, exporters must comply with the provisions of the Export Policy 2024–27, and customs authorities would verify the product’s quality and authenticity before each shipment.

The exporters would also be required to provide complete information and supporting evidence of actual exports against their previously approved quotas when applying for new export approvals in the future.

They would not be allowed to export rice beyond their revised approved quantities.

The ministry has also set a minimum FOB export price of $1.60 per kg to protect the product’s value in the international market.

Earlier, the ministry allowed 278 companies to export a total of 45,270 tonnes of aromatic rice in two phases.

However, as of August 30, 129 companies had exported 2,419 tonnes of aromatic rice.

Aromatic rice prices rose significantly in domestic markets in recent weeks, reaching around Tk 250-260 a kilogram from Tk 130-150 a kg.

The official said that the government’s policy position is that while earning foreign currency through exports is important, domestic supply and price stability should take priority for food products.

In line with this consideration, the approved quota for aromatic rice exports has been reduced by 50 per cent, with stricter conditions imposed.

The move is expected to strengthen controls over aromatic rice exports and improve transparency and accountability in export management, the ministry official said.

‘The government’s primary objective is not to halt aromatic rice exports altogether. Instead, it aims at ensuring that exports are conducted in a controlled, sustainable manner while maintaining food security and market stability at home,’ he added.

Published Date: September 8, 2026