The global rice market has witnessed persistent increase in prices, primarily due to the El Niño effect. Rice prices have been at an 11-year high, with the restrictions imposed by some countries on rice exports further propelling the surge in prices. For instance, India, a major rice producer which accounts for more than 40 percent of global rice exports, banned the export of non-basmati white rice on July 20. But many countries, especially developing ones, lack the capability to mitigate the impacts of price fluctuations in the global market. The impact of rising grain prices on the Middle East and North Africa will likely be much more than on most other regions.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 09, 2023 09:35 UTC