Rice supply faces new threat as India mulls more limits

Rice in Asia soared to the highest level in almost 15 years this month after the South Asian nation announced a ban on some exports. - AP

NEW DELHI (Bloomberg): India, the world’s biggest rice exporter, is considering more restrictions on its shipments of the grain as the nation grapples with rising food prices, a move that’s likely to further tighten global supply.

The government is considering a tax on shipments of parboiled rice, according to people familiar with matter. No decision has been made yet and there’s no certainty deliberations will lead to duties being imposed, they said, asking not to be identified as the information is confidential. India’s food secretary told reporters on Tuesday that there are currently no plans for tariffs.