ARTICLE 5

The Indian spices industry is poised for robust growth, with market projections estimating a valuation of INR 5,13,253.9 Crores by 2033, up from INR 2,00,643.7 Crores in 2024, according to the latest research report by IMARC Group. This expansion reflects a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.56% during the forecast period of 2025-2033

Vietnam is poised to enter the high-potential low-carbon rice market with its first-ever shipment of climate-friendly rice to Japan this May, marking a significant step forward in sustainable agriculture and international trade.

Indonesia's rice reserves are projected to exceed 4 million tonnes by the end of May 2025, achieving the highest level since the establishment of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) in 1969. As of May 13, the reserves had already reached 3.7 million tonnes, reflecting a significant milestone in the nation's efforts to bolster food security .

Coffee prices declined on Wednesday as expectations of a strong 2025 harvest in Brazil and a weakening Brazilian real weighed on the market, despite tightening global supplies and weather-related challenges in key producing countries.

Vietnam’s cashew industry continues to display remarkable resilience and adaptability in 2025, holding its position as a global leader in the sector despite mounting trade challenges and shifting market dynamics.

Vietnam has introduced sweeping reforms in its 2024 Land Law to promote sustainable agricultural development, enhance land use efficiency, and empower farmers and agri-investors alike. With 84% of the country’s natural land designated as agricultural and nearly 62% of its population residing in rural areas, the land policy reforms mark a significant step in supporting the country’s agricultural transformation.

Concerns are mounting in Punjab over the potential spoilage of large quantities of wheat, as more than 60 lakh metric tons of the harvested crop remain unsold and exposed across various mandis (market yards) in the state. This backlog stems from sluggish lifting and transportation, triggering fears of quality degradation amid unseasonal rain and storm forecasts.

Thailand has an opportunity to boost its exports to the United States as trade tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to reshape global supply chains. According to the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), several Thai products—especially from the agricultural and processed food sectors—are well-positioned to gain ground in the U.S. market, particularly as American importers seek alternatives to Chinese goods.

French food and beverage giant Danone is making a strategic return to the Indian market, this time with a sharper focus on nutrition. Having exited the dairy sector in 2017 after an underwhelming performance, Danone is now aiming to ride India’s growing demand for health-centric products through its nutrition portfolio — a move the company sees as essential for its long-term global growth ambitions.

Global rice prices are witnessing an upward trend after hitting two-year lows, driven primarily by declining stock levels in key exporting nations like Thailand and Pakistan.

Japan is poised to significantly increase its rice imports in fiscal year 2025, primarily sourcing from the United States, as the nation grapples with soaring domestic rice prices and ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S.

Indonesia has rejected a request from Malaysia to purchase rice, citing the need to preserve its domestic stockpile amid ongoing concerns over supply and climate uncertainty.